Geissospermum argenteum (Angiosperma: Apocynaceae): a reservoir of parasitoids of fruit flies (Diptera: Tephritidae) in an upland forest in the Brazilian Amazon

Abstract

This work aimed to assess the potential of Geissospermum argenteum Woodson (Apocynaceae) as a reservoir of fruit fly (Diptera: Tephritidae) parasitoids (Hymenoptera) in an upland forest in Brazil. 2The study was conducted in a remnant of primary upland forest, in which were distributed 10 plots (0.5 ha each). All individuals of G. argenteum with diameters greater than 5 cm at a height of 1.3 m were inventoried. Two trees per plot were selected to assess the total production of fruit. Collectors were installed under the canopy projection of each tree. The fruits were counted and weighed in the field and were transported to the laboratory, to determine the dry mass. Samples of fruits were collected to investigate their infestation by fruit flies and percentage of parasitism. 3 A total of 394 specimens of G. argenteum were identified in the 5 ha investigated area, of which only 126 produced fruits during the 12 months of the assessment. Production ranged from 59 to 2478 fruits per plant (0.59 and 19.73 kg of fresh mass, respectively). Fifty-nine fruit samples were collected from 44 plants, from which 7703 puparia were obtained. Only Anastrepha atrigona Hendel emerged from the puparia. The mean infestation rate was 554.9 puparia/kg of fruit (0.4-1628.6 puparia/kg). Four species of parasitoids were obtained, with mean percentage of parasitism of 2.27% (0.23-9.01%). 4 Our results show that G. argenteum is a reservoir of fruit fly parasitoids, highlighting the importance of its conservation in native habitats, as well as its multiplication in areas close to commercial orchards.

Size and crown shape predict reproductive maturity of Carapa guianensis in upland and floodplain forests in the northeastern Amazon

“…However, there are only a few studies that have determined the maturation of native tree species based on functional characteristics of trees (e.g., Dantas et al, 2016;de Sousa et al, 2021;Londres et al, 2017) in the Amazon.…”

“…Especially for tree species native to the Amazon, which are sources of nontimber forest products (NTFP), identifying the beginning of reproductive maturation is crucial for scheduling the harvest and estimating the long‐term reproductive capacity of populations (Dantas et al, 2016; Mendoza et al, 2018). However, there are only a few studies that have determined the maturation of native tree species based on functional characteristics of trees (e.g., Dantas et al, 2016; de Sousa et al, 2021; Londres et al, 2017) in the Amazon.…”