NOVAS INFORMAÇÕES BIOLÓGICAS SOBRE Eugeniamyia díspar (DIPTERA, CECIDOMYIIDAE), UMA PRAGA DE Eugenia uniflora L. (MYRTACEAE)

Abstract

Eugeniamyia dispar (Cecidomyiidae, Diptera) is one of the most harmful pests of Eugenia uniflora (Myrtaceae) in Brazil. In this study, new data on its biology and negative effects on the host plant are reported. This study was carried out from September, 2017 to August, 2018 in the Quinta da Boa Vista Park (municipality of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro state, Brazil). We looked for plant individuals, measured their height and choose one to be studied, based on the exclusive presence of spongy galls. This individual was examined four times a month. The number of galls in early development, closed mature and open galls was counted to verify their abundance. The greatest peaks of galls in early development were observed from late December, 2017 to early March, 2018. Closed mature galls were found from September to October, 2017, from December, 2017 to March, 2018 and in August, 2018. Peaks of open galls followed with about a one week delay those of mature galls. Dried galls were observed throughout the study period. We observed different gall stages in a single leaf, indicating an overlap of generations. Aborted galls were observed. Leaves with a great number of galls easily detached from the plant. The leaf area loss is related to the presence of galls. At the beginning of this study, E. uniflora hosted only galls of E. dispar . Later, other gall midge, Clinodiplosis profusa, colonized the host plant. The presence of a second galler increases the impact of herbivory on the plant. Keywords: Damage; gall; host plant; crop.