Entomofauna associated to chickpea in northwest of Cordoba (Argentina)
HORTICULTURE | Avalos, S. - Mazzuferi, V. - Fichetti, P. - Berta, C. - Carreras, J.
Tags: Heliothis virescens, aphids, agromyzid leafminers, thrips, natural enemies, Cicer arietinum
The chickpea is a crop that grows in winter. Among the biotic factors that limit the production are the insects. The aim of this work was to determine the species and abundance of insect herbivores and its associated natural enemies to cultivars of chickpea (Chañaritos S156 and Norteño) in the northwest of Cordoba. During 2006-2007, from July to November, insects in different states of development were collected manually in thirty plants of each cultivar that were chosen, as well as leave with symptoms of leafminers. From the breading of insect herbivores, specimens of parasitoids were obtained. Fifteen species of herbivores and nine of natural enemies associated to them were determined. The communities of insects in both cultivars were dominated by Lepidoptera, being Heliothis virescens the most abundant species. Five species of aphids (Hemiptera) were collected and Acyrtosiphon pisum was the most abundant, four registered species of Thysanoptera constitute the first appointment on the chickpea and Liriomyza sp. (Diptera: Agromyzidae) in leaves mined. The predators were Coccinellidae (Coleoptera) and Reduviidae (Hemiptera). Parasitoids Hymenoptera: Ichneumonidae and Chalcididae emerged from H. virescens; Braconidae of aphids; Eulophidae of Liriomyza sp. and Scelionidae of eggs of bugs. Because the stage of the crop in which they are, direct damage and abundance H. virescens could be the most detrimental species in the zone of study. The research of the role of the potential pests of the main phytophagous insect species and the incidence of their natural enemies should be developed.