Abstract:
Adelgids (Hemiptera) in the genus Pineus have been reported as introduced insect
pests causing serious losses to Pinus plantations worldwide. In 2008, Pineus
boerneri was recorded for the first time in Colombia, with infestations noted on
Pinus kesiya, P. tecunumanii, P. maximinoi and P. oocarpa. The lack of information
on this insect in Colombia prompted investigations of its life cycle and infestation
levels as well as host susceptibility of the main Pinus species planted in Colombia.
In addition, the possibility of using a Ceraeochrysa species, an already established
predator of adelgids in Colombia for biological control, was considered. Results
showed that P. boerneri in Colombia has an anholocyclic life cycle comprised of
four instars with a complete duration between 49 and 97 days. Infestations were higher in the middle and upper part of trees. Pinus kesiya and P. maximinoi had
the highest levels of susceptibility in field as well as in greenhouse trials. A survey
of naturally infested trees showed P. tecunumanii to be moderately susceptible
while P. patula and P. oocarpa had low levels of susceptibility in a greenhouse trial
but were not susceptible in the field. Investigations considering the impact of
predation of Ceraeochrysa species showed a high predation rate of up to 140 P.
boerneri consumed per day by a single Ceraeochrysa individual. Other predators
of P. boerneri were recorded but were not sufficiently common to warrant detailed
study.
