Morphological and bioecological aspects of Epichrysocaris burwelli (Hymenoptera, Eulophidae) the gall wasp of Corymbia citriodora (Myrtaceae) leaves / Aspectos morfo-bioecológicos de Epichrysocharis burwelli (Eulophidae, Hymenoptera), vespa-das-galhas das folhas de Corymbia citriodora

AUTOR(ES)
DATA DE PUBLICAÇÃO

2010

RESUMO

This research deals with aspects of morphology, biology and ecology of Epichrysocaris burwelli a micro-wasp inducing galls on leaves of Corymbia citriodora, and recently introduced in Brazil. The following parameters were studied: percentage of galls on the leaf, time of adult emergence, adult longevity, sex ratio and characterization of the male, duration of the developmental period, seasonal occurrence of adults, level of infestation in the field and the influence of leaf hairs on the occurrence of galls and adults. The influence of galls on the yield of C.citriodora oil was studied as well. From the total of leaves evaluated, 65% presented galls ranging between 0.04 and 44.10 galls/cm2, with a mean density of 7 galls per square centimeter. One also observed significant differences among the evaluated trees as to the number of galls on the leaves. Adult emergence occurred during the morning hours, with a peak at 9 am and adult longevity was longer when honey solution was available. The sex ratio was 165 females: 1 male. The external morphology of the genitalia and a microscopic structure in the male antenna were the only differences between the sexes. The life cycle, from egg to adult, lasted 75 days in field conditions. The galls presented five growing stages which probably are related to the changes in the immature insect periods. The adults are seen all year round and such occurrence is related to the continuous flushing of sprouts by the plant. This insect species is multivoltine and thus present overlapping generations. Young plants present hairy leaves acting as a mechanical barrier to oviposition, preventing the occurrence of adults and galls. The yield of C.corymbia oil leaves is negatively affected not only by the high levels of gall infestation but also by the following premature defoliation.

ASSUNTO(S)

Óleos essenciais tetrastichinae corymbia citriodora biology insetos nocivos epichrysocharis burwelli eucalipto essencial oil galha biologia vespas. gall-wasps ecologia ecology.

ACESSO AO ARTIGO

Documentos Relacionados