Principais Pragas do Pinhão-Manso (Jatropha curcas L.) no Cerrado Brasileiro

Resumo

The studies prospecting plant species with potential for biodiesel production in Brazil has indicated Jatropha curcas L. as a promising source of raw-material, because of its high oil content of great quality. The purpose of this work was to report the main species of arthropod pests that occur on J. curcas crops in the Federal District (DF). The studies were conducted at Embrapa Cerrados (Planaltina / DF) in 3 to 4-year old J. curcas crops . During field observations, samples of plant material with symptom of arthropod attack were collected and taken to the laboratory for observation under a stereomicroscope. The immature forms of arthropods present in the samples were reared. Three species of arthropods were recorded causing significant damage: Cophes notaticeps (Marshall) (Coleoptera: Curculionidae), Polyphagotarsonemus latus (Banks) (Acari: Tarsonemidae) and Tetranychus bastosi Tuttle, Baker & Sales (Acari: Tetranychidae). This is the first record of these pests in plants of J. curcas in the Federal District of Brazil.