THE NATURAL CONTROL OF Stenoma catenifer WALSIMGHAM IN THE CULTIVATION OF AVOCADO CROP Persea americana MILL. IN CHANCHAMAYO, PERU

Abstract

Avocado cultivation (Persea americana Mill.) was very important in Chanchamayo and Satipo until 1982, when the area contributed 47% of the national production, and was affected by "root rot" caused by the fungus Phytophthora cinnamomi Rands. Based on the evaluations carried out between 1983 and 1987 by the authors, this work has been prepared updating the information to the present in the area. The objective is to demonstrate that the "avocado fruit borer" Stenoma catenifer Walsimgham remained as a potential pest due to the existence of a natural control by native parasitoids. The method was to record the abundance, importance, damage, alternate hosts, and associated natural enemies; based on periodic monthly collections of insects in avocado plantations and in the herbaceous vegetation of cultivation and rearing in the laboratory, recording the pest species and natural control insects. It is concluded that this pest S. catenifer presented different degrees of preference for fruits according to the cultivars evaluated and two species of parasitoids that alternated their abundances during the campaign. These parasitoids maintained a biological control of ± 70% on the avocado fruits, and the farmers were not economically affected; thus, it could be considered to leave this pest species in the category of potential.