Abstract

HERNANDEZ FUENTES, Luis Martín; VALDEZ CARRASCO, Jorge Manuel; URIAS LOPEZ, Mario Alfonso  and  GOMEZ JAIMES, Rafael. Identification, damage and population fluctuation of Gonodonta pyrgo (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) in Annona muricata. Rev. Mex. Cienc. Agríc [online]. 2015, vol.6, n.5, pp.1001-1012. ISSN 2007-0934.

In Nayarit, Mexico, in 2007 and 2009 during August and September, heavy damage to the foliage ofsoursop (Annona muricata L.) by larvae from a lepidopteran was observed; in the following years were also present causing damage more often. The aim of this study was to identify the insect in question, determine the damage and population dynamics. Detailed observations ofthe male genitalia for identification were performed. From June 2012 to July 2013, fortnightly samples were taken on field trips in the main producing region of soursop from Nayarit. The identified species corresponds to Gonodonta pyrgo (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae). This insect lays eggs on leaves and young shoots. The larvae feed on immature and mature foliage, damaging small fruits and flowers causing the fall of these. When it is about to pupate, the larvae comes down to the ground, forms a cocoon with small pieces of soursop leaves and hides under the leaves. The larvae of G. pyrgo were detected from August to December with infestations of up to 46 larvae per tree; in some sites 40% of defoliation was estimated. Two population peaks, one in August and one in November were recorded, which could indicate the existence of two generations per year.

Keywords : Gonodonta pyrgo; Annonaceae; biology.

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