Predator Insect Families Associated With Melon Crop in a Semiarid Region in Brazil

Abstract

Knowledge of diversity of natural enemies in agroecosystems is vital for the integrated pest management. However, surveys of beneficial insects (predators and parasitoids) in the melon crop (Cucumis melo L.) in the semiarid region in Brazil are scarce. Thus, the objective of this study was to know the families of predator insects associated with melon crop in a semiarid region in the state of Rio Grande do Norte (RN), one of the main melon producers in Brazil. The survey study was carried out in a commercial melon area, in the municipality of Baraúna (RN). The samples were collected weekly during the cycle of melon, using passive (Pitfall and Moericke traps) and active (sweep net) collection methods. A total of 13 families of predator insects were collected. The families with the highest relative abundances in the passive collection method were Labiduridae (89.53%) and Formicidae (6.91%), while in the active collection method were Chrysopidae (59.81%) and Staphylinidae (20.56%). These families contain important species of predator which can promote crop pest suppression in melon agricultural systems.