Anthonomus grandis grandis Boheman (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) induces the formation of shelter structures in cotton plants

Abstract

Background Herbivorous arthropods induce their hosts to form plant structures where they shelter during unfavorable periods. The boll weevil Anthonomus grandis grandis (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) can spend the off-season inside cotton plant structures, known as dry boll, protected from pesticides, natural enemies, and the heat and desiccation of the soil surface, increasing its survival and preserving its reproductive capacity. However, the relationship between the boll weevil and dry boll formation requires further study. The formation and external and internal characteristics of dry boll in cotton plants infested by boll weevils and the emergence and survival of this insect in these structures during infestation were evaluated. Results Plants infested by boll weevil formed almost twice as many dry bolls, which were 2.3 times heavier and with a diameter 1.7 times larger than those formed by non-infested plants. Conclusion Weevils induce the formation of structures in cotton plants to increase their survival during the crop off-season.