Phytophagous insects in tamarind crop with emphasis on those causing fruit damage in the nearby Western of Antioquia

Abstract

The tamarind is an important fruit for small producers of the nearby western of Antioquia because it is offered in various presentations to tourists who visit the region. However, there are some quality problems related to the presence of insects that generate difficulties in its commercialization. The objective of this study was to determine the phytophagous insects in this tree, with emphasis on insects that cause the greatest fruit damage; in five farms of Santa Fe de Antioquia and Sopetran. The insects associated to each organ of six trees per farm were collected, each of their damage was described and they were identified as detailed as possible. Three phytophagous insects causing the greatest fruit damage were prioritized, determining their infestation percentage (IP). Therefore, a scale of damage was designed and 30 fruits per tree were evaluated. Eleven phytophagous insects associated to tamarind crop were found, five of them affecting the fruit: Caryedon serratus, two Phycitinae moths, Sitophilus linearis and Hypothenemus obscurus. Five new pest registers for tamarind in Colombia were reported: H. obscurus, Toxoptera aurantii, Trigona sp., Ectomyelois ceratoniae and, Acromyrmex octospinosus. The average IP value for C. serratus, the Phycitinae moths and, S. linearis were 19.5%, 8%, and, 2.5%, respectively. The first two affect the pulp and S. linearis affects the seed. The most frequent damaged (43% - 52%) was grade 1 while the lowest percentages (0% - 4%) corresponded to grades 4 and 5.