Monitoring of ambrosia beetles (Coleoptera: Scolytinae and Platypodinae) in avocado orchard cv. 'Geada' (Persea americana Mill.)(Persea americana) in Jardinópolis, State of São Paulo, Brazil

Abstract

In some avocado producing countries, species of Scolytinae (Coleoptera, Curculionidae) are vectors of fusariosis and laurel wilt, inflicting high losses to orchard owners. In Brasil, we are reporting attacks of Scolytinae beetles in avocado orchards in the state of São Paulo, and it seems these are associated with diseases. The objective of this experiment is to compare, by collections with flight intercept traps, the population of Scolytinae in two avocado orchards in Jardinópolis, state of São Paulo, one with Phytophthora root rot and fusariosis diseased trees and another composed of healthy trees. We sill study their seasonal variation, and ultimately correlate species catches with disease incidence in the avocado orchards.