Abstract
ABSTRACT Pineapple mealybug wilt has been reported as one of the most important diseases affecting pineapple crops worldwide. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of mealybugs associated with two agroclimatic zones of pineapple production in the department of Valle del Cauca, Colombia. The survey was conducted in the upper (Dagua, Restrepo, La Cumbre and Vijes) and lower (Buga and Palmira) land zones. A total of 75 MD2 pineapple plots in different development growth stages were evaluated. The mealybugs were recorded mainly in the upper land zone, with a prevalence of 32 %. Concerning the plots growth stages, the highest prevalence was observed in second-cycle plots (13.3 %), followed by third-cycle ones, including abandoned plots (9.3 %), and first-cycle plots (6.7 %), which were associated with the use of pesticides. Dysmicoccus brevipes was the only mealybug species (Pseudococcidae) found on pineapples in the study area.
Highlights
Pineapple or ananás [Ananas comosus (L.) Merr. (Bromeliaceae)] is a perennial plant grown in 86 countries throughout the world (FAO 2019)
This study aimed to identify the presence and prevalence of mealybug species found in pineapple plantations of the Valle del Cauca department, Colombia, as a first step to understand their role as insect vectors of Pineapple Mealybug Wilt-associated Viruses (PMWaVs) and the dynamics of the disease transmission in the region
The survey consisted of random exploration of the cultivated plots and their surroundings, in order to identify possible factors associated with Pineapple Mealybug Wilt (PMW)
Summary
Pineapple or ananás [Ananas comosus (L.) Merr. (Bromeliaceae)] is a perennial plant grown in 86 countries throughout the world (FAO 2019). (Bromeliaceae)] is a perennial plant grown in 86 countries throughout the world (FAO 2019) Some regional cultivars, such as Manzana, Perolera, Mayanesa and India, are currently cultivated in different regions in Colombia, for export and internal consumption (Neira García et al 2016, Rios 2020). The Valle del Cauca region has 2,343 ha dedicated to pineapple, with a production of 15,162 t (Agronet 2018), of which 58 % are destined for export (Agronegocios 2019). In this region, the pineapple production is established in two agroecological zones: the upper land zone, characterized by small planting areas with traditional management; and the Received: Feb. 23, 2021.
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