Banana weevil (Cosmopolites sordidus Germar) (Coleoptera: Dryophthoridae) population dynamics in Terceira Island (Azores) banana orchards

• Published in: Acta horticulturae no. 928; pp. 199 - 204
• Main Authors: Lopes, D.J.H, Ornelas, M.L, Filipe, M, Pimentel, R.M.S, Martins, J.T.O, Aguiar, M.H, Ventura, L.F.M.B, Correia, A.M.M, Mexia, A.M.M
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: International Society for Horticultural Science 01.01.2012
• Subjects: adults; bananas; Cosmopolites sordidus; decision making; insect pests; Opogona sacchari; orchards; population density; population dynamics; risk assessment; traps; Azores
• ISSN: 0567-7572
• DOI: 10.17660/ActaHortic.2012.928.24

With the INTERFRUTA II Project, we tried to reach a significant improvement of knowledge over many cultures, including banana culture. To better understand phytosanitary problems in banana and their assessment several investigations were conducted in the two most production areas for banana on Terceira, at Angra and at Porto Judeu/São Sebastião, trying to implement in practice the application of integrated protection concepts. The most important insect pests in banana are the banana weevil (Cosmopolites sordidus Germar) and the banana moth (Opogona sacchari Bojer). With the start of a new project called BIOMUSA (MAC/1/C054) a net of traps was implemented to monitor population levels of the banana weevil. From June 2009 Cosmotrack traps were placed in six banana orchards from the two most productive zones of Terceira Island, for the risk assessment and monitoring of this key pest. These traps were checked every 15 days and banana weevil adults were registered to identify when the highest population densities of C. sordidus imagines occur. The trap records from June to October 2009 show a C. sordidus adult population peak in October. This information is very important for optimal decision making in fighting against this key pest of banana orchards at Terceira Island.