Abstract

ALONSO, O  and  LEZCANO, J. C. Arthropods associated to Jatropha curcas Linnaeus. Functions and strategy for their management. Pastos y Forrajes [online]. 2014, vol.37, n.1, pp.3-16. ISSN 0864-0394.

At present, Jatropha curcas Linnaeus constitutes one of the most studied plants worldwide due to its potential to produce oil, which can be transformed into biodiesel. However, there is not enough information yet about its ecological interactions with other plants and animals; for which the knowledge concerning the arthropods associated to J. curcas is an essential requisite for the adequate management of the crop. The objective of this paper is to present the results of a compilation made about these organisms (mainly insects, mites and spiders), to achieve a better exploitation of the plantations of this energy crop in Cuba. Within the group of plant-eaters, 151 insect species were found, among which two from order Hemiptera (Pachycoris klugii Burmeister (Scutelleridae) and Leptoglossus zonatus (Dallas)) stand out, in addition to four mite species. Among the beneficial ones, 90 insect, five mite and 13 predator spider species were found. Regarding pest management strategies, a higher emphasis is made on the chemical control measures and some cultural-type actions. Taking these antecedents into consideration, in Cuba it is essential to know the main organisms associated to this plant, in order to incorporate with higher accuracy the agroecological component in pest management, and thus contribute to the maintenance of the productive capacities of agroecosystems and their resilience.

Keywords : plant-eaters; insects; pest.

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