First Report of Heilus freyreissi (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) Attacking Avocado and Associated with Colletotricum sp. in Brazil

Abstract

Curculionid beetles are significant pests of avocado trees (Persea americana [Lauraceae]). Adults of Heilus freyreissi (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) are reported for the first time on avocado trees, feeding on the tender lateral branches, the central leaf vein, inflorescences, peduncles, and fruits at the beginning of development. These injuries were consistently associated with symptoms of anthracnose disease caused by the fungus Colletotrichum sp. Thus, infestation of this insect may be of great economic significance in avocado production, because of its ability to attack various plant organs as well as it being a vector of the pathogen Colletotrichum sp.