Diversidade de insetos associados a cultivos de palma forrageira no município de Floresta -PE

Diversity of insects associated with forage palm crops in the municipality of Floresta –PE

Abstract

The cactus Opuntia ficus indica Mill. turns out to be an feasible alternative on the feeding of ruminants, during period of draught, due its adaptability in the semiarid region. However, the occurrence of insects, such as mealybugs, has been a challenge to achieve a enjoyable productivity, since high levels of infestation can contribute for the plant weakening as the insects feed on it, causing the cactus' death.This study aimed to verify the diversity of insects
associated with the cultivation of forage palm. The experiment was carried out in experimental crops at the IF SERTÃO-PE, Campus Floresta farm school. The survey was carried out using 10 Moericke traps and the samples were collected weekly for a period of three months. The insects collected totaled 4,474 specimens that were identified at order and family level. Shannon, Margalef, Simpson and Equitability indices were calculated using Past: 1.73 software and fauna indices: dominance, abundance, frequency and constancy, using the ANAFAU program. The predominant families during the surveys were Formicidae and Vespidae (Hymenoptera), Thripidae (Thysanoptera), Muscidae (Diptera) and Lygaeidae (Hemiptera). This is the first work with entomofaunistic survey in forage palm crops in the municipality of Floresta, Pernambuco, generating information that expands knowledge about the diversity of insects associated with this culture.