Diversidad de escolítinos barrenadores de cacao (Theobroma cacao L.) en sistema monocultivo y agroforestales en la cuenca media del río Portoviejo

Abstract

The objective of the study was to determine the diversity of scolitine borers in cocoa crops in monoculture and agroforestry systems in the middle basin of the Portoviejo River, Ecuador. The aim was to identify the species of scolitines present in different parts of the cocoa tree and to evaluate whether the drilling occurs in healthy plants or those affected by phytosanitary problems. The research was carried out in three locations in Manabí: Santa Ana, Mapasingue and Lodana, where monoculture and agroforestry farms were compared. During November and December 2023, dry branches and cocoa pods were collected for analysis in the laboratory. Trapping and detailed morphological analyzes were used to identify scolitine species, using specific taxonomic keys. The results showed a greater abundance and diversity of scolitines in the agroforestry system compared to the monoculture. In total, 579 samples were collected, with the Hypothenemus genus predominating in both parts of the tree (branches and ears). In the monoculture, 161 scolitines were identified on branches and 150 on ears, while in the agroforestry, 105 were found on branches and 127 on ears. These findings suggest that the greater plant diversity in agroforestry systems could limit the proliferation of these insects compared to monocultures. The analysis concludes that Hypothenemus scolitines tend to colonize dry branches and deteriorated ears more than healthy plants. It is recommended to implement integrated pest management that includes periodic monitoring, specific traps and pruning practices to minimize the presence of dry branches and damaged ears, which will help control the proliferation of these insects and improve the health and productivity of plantations. cocoa.