The survival, development, and reproduction of Gonipterus platensis (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) on the main Eucalyptus (Myrtaceae) genotypes planted in Brazil

Abstract

Background Gonipterus platensis Marelli (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) is the main defoliating beetle of Eucalyptus L’Hér. (Myrtaceae) plants worldwide. The suitability of Eucalyptus to this pest varies among host plant genotypes. The objective of this study was to evaluate the development, reproduction, and survival of G. platensis on Eucalyptus species and hybrids to assess their suitability to this insect pest in Brazil. Methods The survival, development, and reproduction parameters were evaluated with G. platensis feeding leaves of Eucalyptus camaldulensis Dehnh., Eucalyptus grandis W. Hill., Eucalyptus urophylla S.T. Blake and on the hybrids of E. grandis ×E. urophylla ‘H13’ and ‘VR3748’ in the laboratory. Results The duration of the larval stage of G. platensis was shorter on E. urophylla. The pupal stage and the period from larva to adult were equally shorter on E. urophylla and E. camaldulensis. The viability of instars of this insect was low on both E. grandis and E. camaldulensis. The complete lifespan, oviposition period and reproduction parameters of G. platensis were greater on E. urophylla, lower on E. camaldulensis and E. grandis, and intermediate on both hybrids tested. Synthesis Eucalyptus urophylla is the most suitable host for G. platensis survival, development, and reproduction, while E. grandis and E. camaldulensis are the least suitable.

Presence of the Eucalyptus snout beetle in Ecuador and potential invasion risk in South America

“…Eucalyptus trees are the primary host for G. platensis worldwide, but their host specificity or susceptibility are poorly understood, especially in tropical areas (Oliveira et al, 2022 ). To better understand the drivers of distribution of G. platensis in South America, we examined the association of G. platensis with the host Eucalyptus trees.…”

“…Such differences could represent cues for their natural enemies and influence their level of success as biocontrollers (Schröder et al, 2020). Furthermore, results of previous studies suggest interspecific differences in environmental and host preferences of the beetles (Newete et al, 2011;Oliveira et al, 2022;Riquelme Virgala et al, 2018), which could guide when deciding on the species of Eucalyptus to be planted. Thus, correctly identifying newly introduced populations of Eucalyptus snout beetles is a first essential step toward effective management and control strategies.…”

“…According to the most recent taxonomy, two species of the complex are invasive in South America: Gonipterus platensis-the most widely distributed worldwide-in Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia and Uruguay, and G. pulverulentus, with a limited distribution outside of Australia, only in eastern South America (Uruguay, Brazil and Argentina) (Mapondera et al, 2012). Although closely related and very similar, differences have been found in the coloration and markings of various life stages between the species of the G. scutellatus complex (Oliveira et al, 2022;Rosado-Neto & Marques, 1996). Such differences could represent cues for their natural enemies and influence their level of success as biocontrollers (Schröder et al, 2020).…”

Symbiotic bacteria in the relationship between Anaphes nitens (Hymenoptera: Mymaridae) and Gonipterus platensis (Coleoptera: Curculionidae)

“…Gonipterus platensis has been reported in the Southern States of Brazil, São Paulo and Espírito Santo with outbreaks mainly in São Paulo and Paraná States, where parasitism by A. nitens in the field has decreased (Oliveira et al, 2022; Souza et al, 2016). The outbreaks of this pest in Brazil reduced the mean annual increment (MAI) of E. grandis x E. dunnii hybrids up to 42.8% (Souza et al, 2016).…”

Diferenças entre espécies de besouros do gênero Gonipterus (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) de diferentes estados do Brasil

“…A preferência de G. scutellatus por Eucalyptus globulus LaBillardiére e Eucalyptus viminalis LaBillardiére pode afetar a ocorrência e abundância desse inseto (Hanks et al, 2000;Gonçalves et al, 2019). No Brasil, E. urophylla foi considerado o melhor hospedeiro para o desenvolvimento, reprodução e sobrevivência de G. platensis (Oliveira et al, 2022).…”