Efecto de la aplicación de pesticidas botánicos sobre la entomofauna benéfica asociada al cultivo de maíz (Zea mays L.) en Lodana, Manabí

Abstract

Maize (Zea mays L.), faces significant challenges due to damage caused by Spodoptera frugiperda, which affects crop yields. Synthetic pesticides are often used to control this pest, damaging beneficial insects more than the pests themselves. Based on the above, the objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of the application of botanical pesticides on the beneficial entomofauna associated with maize in Lodana, Manabí. The research was carried out at the experimental campus of the Faculty of Agricultural Engineering of the Technical University of Manabí, using a randomized complete block design (RCBD), with 11 treatments and 4 replications, totaling 44 experimental units with 120 plants each unit. Yellow maize variety ADV 9139 was planted. The variables evaluated included the number of parasitoids, predators and pollinators. Direct observations were made weekly on 10 plants at random before and after application of the treatments to record the presence of insects. A chromatid trap (yellow colour) was installed in each treatment, collection and evaluation was carried out every fortnight. Ten insect families were identified in direct observations, with Chrysopidae being the most abundant, and 11 families were identified in the traps, with Dolichopodidae predominating. In addition, there was a significant difference between the treatments, with a lower affectation in the population of the families where Petiveria alliacea was applied at 15%. In traps, the population of insects per family, treated with Jatropa curcas and P. alliacea, individually and in combination under different concentrations, was higher than the control. The beneficial entomofauna in the maize crop corresponds to predators, parasitoids and pollinators, and its population is little affected by botanical pesticides