Entomofauna Associated withHeliconiaspp. (Zingiberales: Heliconiaceae) Grown in the Central Area of Colombia

Abstract

We conducted a survey of insects and pest management practices on 40 farms growing Heliconia spp. and other Zingiberales in the central coffee region of Colombia in 2006 and 2007. Most farmers (87%) were concerned about insect pests in the plantation and 90% used broad-spectrum insecticides (chlorpyrifos, carbofuran, acephate and malathion) at least monthly. Fewer (approximately one third) used biological or cultural control practices. In total insects from 13 orders and 99 families were collected from Heliconia farms. The most abundant orders were Diptera (23 families), Hemiptera (22 families), Hymenoptera (14 families), Coleoptera (13 families), and Lepidoptera (7 families). The most common phytophagous species were hispine beetles (Chrysomelidae), scales (Coccidae: Ceroplastes sp., Saissetia sp.), leafhoppers (Cicadellidae), stinkbugs (Pentatomidae), squash bugs (Coreidae) and leaf cutting ants (Atta and Acromyrmex spp.). Other insects such as Metamasius and Pandeleteius weevils were found on the rhizome or pseudostem. Beneficial insects collected included several predatory families (Coccinelidae, Chrysopidae and Reduviidae) but only low numbers of parasitoids (Ichneumonidae, Braconidae, Chalcididae and Stephanidae). A range of insects occurred in empty and water-filled bracts of inflorescences notably flower feeding or detritivorous Diptera (Chironomidae, Drosophilidae, Richardiidae, Syrphidae, Tephritidae and Ulidiidae). Our survey suggests many new insect host associations for Heliconia. The use of broad-spectrum insecticides may not be the best long term strategy for insect pest management in Heliconia due to adverse risks to human and environmental health.