Abstract

Studies of Asopinae predators in Brazil were initiated in the 1930’s, focusing on the use of these insects in biological control programs. However, the beginning of a period of major contributions to the knowledge on Asopinae predators started in the year 1986, with the release of the first research results, in the Proceedings of the X Brazilian Congress of Entomology in Maceio, Alagoas, Brazil. In 1991 the first scientific paper was published on the predator Podisus connexivus Bergroth [= Podisus nigrispinus (Dallas)] (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae), with study of the biological parameters of this predator for alternative feeding of the caterpillars Bombyx mori Linnaeus (Lepidoptera: Bombycidae) and larvae Musca domestica (Linnaeus) (Diptera: Muscidae). The first master thesis studying Asopinae predators in Brazil was defended in 1990 at the Federal University of Lavras, which focused was on biology and predatory capacity of Podisus nigrolimbatus [= Brontocoris nigrolimbatus = Brontocoris tabidus] and Podisus connexivus [= Podisus nigrispinus] in the laboratory. Throughout all these years of research and investigations, advances with Asopinae predators occurred in several fields that resulted in a better understanding of these insects, making them an effective tool for controlling insect pests in the agriculture and forestry sectors.

Highlights

  • Stink bugs of the subfamily Asopinae are highlighted in biological control programs of agricultural and forest pests because they are generalist predators, feeding on a large number of insects from different orders

  • Due to characteristics including natural occurrence, aggressiveness and voracity, these insects have been widely studied in Brazil for Integrated Pest Management (IPM) programs

  • Studies on the morphology of Asopinae predators resulted in the publication of 14 scientific articles produced by Brazilian researchers, corresponding to 5.19% of scientific production with Asopinae (Figure 2G)

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Summary

Introduction

Stink bugs of the subfamily Asopinae are highlighted in biological control programs of agricultural and forest pests because they are generalist predators, feeding on a large number of insects from different orders. Due to characteristics including natural occurrence, aggressiveness and voracity, these insects have been widely studied in Brazil for Integrated Pest Management (IPM) programs. These natural enemies contribute to the population balance of phytophagous insects, mainly defoliating caterpillars, permitting reduced use of pesticides in agricultural systems and planted forests, and the conservation of the environment (DE BORTOLI et al, 2011; TORRES et al, 2006a; VACARI et al, 2007; 2004). In 1940, Professor Ângelo Moreira da Costa Lima reported that Asopinae predators may be considered useful for agriculture, since they generally prey on eggs, larvae and adults of pest insects. The best known species attack larvae of Lepidoptera and eggs, larvae and even adult beetles of the superfamily Chrysomeloidea (COSTA LIMA, 1940)

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