Efeitos de fatores climáticos e da época de plantio do abacaxizeiro sobre a cochonilha pulverulenta Dysmicoccus brevipes (Cockerell, 1893) (Homoptera: Pseudococcidae) nas principais regiões produtoras do Estado de Minas Gerais

Abstract

The populational fluctuation of the pineapple mealybug, Dysmicoccus brevipes <Cockerell, 1893) was monitored on pineapple plantations in Piumhi. Uberaba and Monte Alegre de Minas. Minas Gerais State. Brazil. The influence of climatic factors on "the population of this pest was assessed and the occurrence of parasitoids was surveyed. Muitipie linear regressions between climatic parameters and mealybug infestation showed that rainfall was the most important factor, with an adverse effect on the population of this pest. Higher infestation leveis were generally associated with lower values of relative humidity and high •temperature. D. brevipes nymphs were found during the period of plant growth, with varying infestation intensity. Infestations leveis increased with the development of the plants and were the highest during de dry period. On the basis of the high infestation leveis found at ali three locations, it is suggested that chemical control of the pest should be done during the vegetative growth of the plants. Slips for use as planting material. obtained from ali three locations, should be carefully selected and the chemical treatment of them is likely to be necessary. Parasitism of the pineapple mealybugs was studied only in Piumhi. and the species of parasitoids found were: Hambletonia pseudococcina e Anagyrus ananatis, (Hymenoptera, Encyrtidae).