A. L. Lima

Mycoparasitism studies of Trichoderma harzianum strains against Rhizoctonia solani: evaluation of coiling and hydrolytic enzyme production

The genus Trichoderma is a potential biocontrol agent against several phytopathogenic fungi. One parameter for its successful use is an efficient coiling process followed by a substantial production of hydrolytic enzymes. The interaction between fifteen isolates of Trichoderma harzianum and the soil-borne plant pathogen, Rhizoctonia solani, was studied by light microscopy and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Macroscopic observations of fungal growth in dual cultures revealed that growth inhibition of the pathogen occurred soon after contact with the antagonist. All T. harzianum isolates tested exhibited coiling around the hyphae of R. solani. The strains ALL23, ALL40, ALL41, ALL43 and ALL49 did not differ in coiling frequency and gave equal coiling performances. No correlation between coiling frequency and the production of cell wall-degrading chitinases, N-acetyl-β-d-glucosaminidase and β-1,3-glucanases, was found.

Anastrepha species (Diptera: Tephritidae), their hosts and parasitoids in southern Amapá State, Brazil

This work was carried out to record the species of Anastrepha, their host plants and associated parasitoids in Laranjal do Jari and Vitoria do Jari, Amapa State. Fleshy fruits of 17 species of 13 families were sampled, from February to July of 2006, in main districts of both municipalities. Nine species of Anastrepha and six species of braconid parasitoids were sampled during this study.

Frugivorous Flies (Diptera: Tephritidae, Lonchaeidae) Associated with Fruit Production on Ilha de Santana, Brazilian Amazon

Abstract We conducted a survey of the species of frugivorous flies (Tephritidae and Lonchaeidae), their hosts, and their parasitoids found on Ilha de Santana, Amapá State, Brazilian Amazon. We also assessed host plant use by Bactrocera carambolae Drew & Hancock. Fruits were collected from various plant species, at 30 d intervals, from Jan to Jul 2015. In total, 149 fruit samples were collected (3,142 fruits, 76.3 kg), belonging to 20 plant species (9 native and 11 introduced) in 13 botanical families. Infestation by fruit flies was observed in 86 samples (11 species in 8 botanical families). Specimens of 5 species of Tephritidae and 4 species of Lonchaeidae fruit flies were obtained, as well as 3 species of braconid parasitoids. The most important fruit fly species on Ilha de Santana are: B. carambolae, for being a species of quarantine importance; and Anastrepha obliqua (Macquart) and Anastrepha striata Schiner, for infesting plant species of local socioeconomic importance. Averrhoa carambola (Oxalidaceae), Eugenia uniflora (Myrtaceae), Malpighia emarginata (Moc. & Sesse) ex DC. (Malpighiaceae), and Psidium guajava (Myrtaceae) are the host plants responsible for sustaining the population of B. carambolae.

Potential of Amazonian isolates of Metarhizium to control immatures of Bactrocera carambolae (Diptera: Tephritidae)

Summary This study shows the potential of Amazonian isolates of Metarhizium Sorokin to control immatures of Bactrocera carambolae Drew & Hancock (Diptera: Tephritidae), a quarantine pest present in Brazil. Our results reveal the effectiveness of an isolate of Metarhizium anisopliae (Metsch.) Sorokin to control immatures of B. carambolae, suggesting the potential for direct application of this isolate onto the soil to reduce populations of the pest.