Potentials Insect Pests of Yacon Smallanthus Sonchifolius (Poeppig & Endlicher) H. Robinson in Brazil

Abstract

The recent exploration of yacon demands scientific information for improving the crop production technology. A important demand is about Plant health. In this sense, the aim of this study was know insects that promote injuries in yacon crops. The study was developed in Brazil. The planting on a field site began in May 2014. Sampling for injuries and insect display was performed weekly for a period of six months which corresponds to the interval between the emergence of the crop to harvest. Using traversal switchback, detailed surveys were conducted in the shoot 5% of plants aimed at locating injuries and their cause insects. The insects were collected, packed in appropriate enclosures, cataloged and sent to the Entomology Section of Universidade Federal do Espírito Santo for identification standard procedures. The species Myzus persicae (green peach aphid) and Macrosiphum euphorbiae (Potato aphid), Edessa meditabunda (known the black wings stinkbug in Brazil) and Dysmicoccus brevipes, commonly called the pineapple mealybug, were recorded causing injuries in yacon during the cultivation.