Occurrence of insects causing injuries to the yacon crop

Abstract

This research aimed to catalog insects that cause injury to the yacon (Smallanthus sonchifolius, família Asteraceae) crop, in order to identify those who may cause damage. The study was carried out in Alegre, Espírito Santo State, Brazil. Cultivation began in May 2013 and the harvest was done 180 days later. Three species from the Coleoptera order: Lagria villosa (Coleoptera: Lagriidae); Cerotoma arcuata and Diabrotica speciosa (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) and two species from the Lepidoptera order: Spodoptera eridania (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) and Chlosyne lacinia saundersii (Lepidoptera: Nymphalidae) were observed causing damage to the yacon crop. The caterpillar C. lacinia saundersii, known as sunflower caterpillar, was the most important species, being observed throughout the yacon cycle.