Espécies de insecta fitófagas associadas ao cajueiro

Abstract

The cashew tree (Anacardium occidentale L.) is a xerophilous, perennial plant widely cultivated in the northeast region of Brazil. Through it, various products for human consumption such as juices and sweets are obtained from the peduncle; and through the processing of cashew nuts, almonds and cashew nut liquid are obtained, which are of high industrial interest. There are several phytosanitary problems faced by the crop, but those that originate from attacks by phytophagous insects stand out. The Orders Lepidoptera, Thysanoptera, Coleoptera, Diptera, Hemiptera, Hymenoptera, Orthoptera and Isoptera are responsible for damage to the cashew tree. A previous survey from 1996 recorded 99 species of insects associated with the crop, but such data is in need of updating. The objective of this work was to update and report new records of phytophagous insect species related to cashew, as well as describe the morphology and habits of the main pests of economic importance to the crop. A bibliographical review using diverse literary sources such as books, theses, periodical articles, communications and technical bulletins was carried out for this purpose. Given the results, 19 new records of species were observed since the prior survey, most of them belonging to the Orders Lepidoptera, Coleoptera and Hemipera. Some previously known species had their classifications reformulated to adapt to current taxonomy. It is concluded that in relation to the eating habits of the pests, the majority of them defoliate the cashew tree as well as suck the leaves, followed by trunk and branch borers.