Fluctuación y diversidad de cicadellidae en cultivos de papa (Solanum tuberosum L.) y pimiento (Capsicum annuum L.) en las localidades de San Luis y Punín, Chimborazo.

Abstract

This study objective was to evaluate the fluctuation and diversity of Cicadellidae in potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) and pepper (Capsicum annum L.) crops in San Luis and Punín, Chimborazo. Sampling was carried out every seven days during three months in established crops in three potato and three pepper fields. Traps with yellow plates with soap solution were implemented to determine the population fluctuation of the Cicadellidae, which were placed four per field in four cardinal points, located at the edges of the crops and an entomological net was also used. The samples were taken to the GDETERRA laboratory located at ESPOCH to identify the cicadellids and their possible natural enemies. The cicadellids trapped by the traps and the entomological net were identified with the use of a stereoscope, after they were stored in microtubes with 70% ethyl alcohol. For the analysis of molecular biology, the cicadellids were preserved in microtubes with 96% ethyl alcohol, which were sent to specialized laboratories for analysis of detection of the presence of phytoplasmas causing the potato purple top. For statistical analysis, a nested experimental design was used where crops and fields were nested to locations. There was a higher abundance of Cicadellidae in potato crop in San Luis. Based on the molecular analysis of phytoplasma detection in the studied cicadellids, it is concluded that these insects have no active role as vectors in the transmission of potato purple top. It is recommended to carry out more molecular analyses in different laboratories using different methodologies. This is one of the first studies carried out in Ecuador on entomofauna associated with potato and pepper crops and their association with new emerging diseases such as phytoplasmas.