ARS | Publication request: EFFECT OF DEFOLIATION AND ROOT-FEEDING ON MAMEY SAPOTE YIELD

Submitted to: Interamerican Society of Tropical Horticulture Proceedings
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: July 14, 2006
Publication Date: September 25, 2006
Citation: Jenkins, D.A., Goenaga, R.J. 2006. Effect of defoliation and root-feeding on mamey sapote yield [abstract]. Interamerican Society of Tropical Horticulture Proceedings. Poster No. P-A-20.

Technical Abstract: Mamey sapote, Pouteria sapota (Sapotaceae), is a valuable fruit crop that grows well in Puerto Rico. Unfortunately it is a preferred host of Phyllophaga vandinei (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae). The adults of this beetle can defoliate trees and the larvae feed on the roots, in some cases resulting in the death of trees. This study reports the effect observed defoliation (number of beetles per tree) and inferred root-feeding (beetles emerging from the soil) have on the short-term yield of mamey sapote fruit. The authors also present data on the distribution of Phyllophaga vandinei in an orchard. Implications are discussed with regard to pest management options.