Spatial Distribution of Phytophagous Insects, Natural Enemies, and Pollinators onLeucaena leucocephala(Fabaceae) Trees in the Cerrado

Abstract

Leucaena leucocephala (Lam.) de Wit (Fabaceae) is widely used to regenerate degraded landscapes in tropical and subtropical regions and serves as a protein source for animals in agrosilvopastoral systems. Thus, our objective was to assess the spatial distribution of insects on the tree crown (vertical: upper, middle, and basal canopy; horizontal: north, south, east, and west) and leaf surfaces (adaxial and abaxial) of L. leucocephala. Phytophagous insects, natural enemies, and pollinators were quantified fortnightly in 20 trees for 2 yr. North-facing tree branches had the greatest numbers of phytophagous insects, natural enemies, and pollinators. Branches facing west had the most species-rich and biodiverse phytophagous and pollinator assemblages, whereas for natural enemies, species richness and biodiversity were greatest on branches facing north or south. The greatest numbers of individuals and highest levels of species richness of phytophagous insects, natural enemies, and pollinators were observed in the upper and middle parts of the L. leucocephala canopy. The most individuals and highest levels of species richness and biodiversity for phytophagous insects, natural enemies, and pollinators were observed on the abaxial face of L. leucocephala leaves. The species with the highest abundance and k-dominance (common or constant species) on L. leucocephala trees were the phytophagous insects Trigona spinipes F. (Hymenoptera: Apidae: Meliponinae) and Tropidacris collaris Stoll (Orthoptera: Romaleidae) and the natural enemies Camponotus sp.2 (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) and Brachymyrmex sp. (Hymenoptera: Formicidae). These results can inform strategies related to pest control and maintenance of natural enemies and pollinators in L. leucocephala plantations. Biopesticide application, for example, may be more effective at eliminating target organisms if directly applied on their preferred sites, and a targeted application can minimize negative effects for non-target organisms.

Diversity of arthropods on Acacia mangium (Fabaceae) and production of this plant with dehydrated sewage sludge in degraded area

“…Tropidacris collaris damaged the swamp she-oak, Casuarina glauca Sieber (Fagales: Casuarinaceae) and white leadtree, Leucaena leucocephala (Lam.) de Wit (Fabales: Fabaceae) [62,63]. Meroncidius intermedius Brunner Von Wattenwyl, 1895 (Orthoptera: Tettigonnidae) damaged grasses and banana Musa spp.…”

Does fertilization with dehydrated sewage sludge affect Terminalia argentea (Combretaceae) and associated arthropods community in a degraded area?

“…Trigona spinipes , by flying in flocks with aggressive behavior, chases other pollinators, such as Apis mellifera L. and Tetragonisca angustula Latreille (Hymenoptera: Apidae) 28 , and also likely other insects (e.g. beetles); beyond damages shoot and plant growth tissues to remove fibers for nests construction 5 , 29 , 30 . Food web studies are intricate due to interactions among host plants, phytophagous, predators and parasitoids insects, soil and climatic conditions 31 .…”

Herbicide application on Genetically Modified Maize influences bee visitation

“…Naturally, T. spinipes demonstrates highly aggressive behavior to other bee species (Brizola-Bonacina et al, 2012). Considering this aggressive behavior, T. angustula avoids areas where T. spinipes are present (Damascena et al, 2017). Therefore, T. spinipes can negatively influence pollination, inhibiting grain production and reducing the attractiveness of these plants for other pollinators.…”