International Journal of Tropical Insect Science (2013) 33, 239-246

L.C. Martínez and A. Plata-Rueda (2013)
Lepidoptera vectors of Pestalotiopsis fungal disease: first record in oil palm plantations from Colombia
International Journal of Tropical Insect Science 33 (4), 239-246
Abstract: Pestalotiopsis is a disease that causes damage to the leaves of Elaeis guineensis Jacquin and defoliation in commercial plantations. Lepidoptera larvae are the main insects that spread the disease. The aim of this paper is to report for the first time the insects found in oil palm plantations in Colombia. Lepidoptera larvae were collected from cultures in the presence of Pestalotiopsis and were identified to species level. Severity and duration of the symptoms of Pestalotiopsis were evaluated from the damage caused by the insects of each species. Eighteen species of the families Dalceridae (one), Elachistidae (four), Limacodidae (eight), Megalopygidae (two), Nymphalidae (one), Psychidae (one) and Saturniidae (one) confirmed assistance and disease transmission. Increased severity of Pestalotiopsis damage was induced by Acharia hyperoche, Acraga ochracea, Durrantia arcanella, Euclea diversa, Euprosterna elaeasa and Stenoma impressella. The development of Pestalotiopsis on the leaves of E. guineensis and its symptoms were observed between 16.8 and 72.9 days. The damage caused by these insects on the leaves of E. guineensis was the main entrance of the virulent fungal spores. The results of this study contribute to the knowledge of Lepidoptera that attend and spread the Pestalotiopsis fungus on leaves in oil palm plantations. To our knowledge, no previous records of this disease on the plant are found in Colombia.
(The abstract is excluded from the Creative Commons licence and has been copied with permission by the publisher.)
Link to article at publishers website
Database assignments for author(s): Luis Carlos Martínez

Research topic(s) for pests/diseases/weeds:
transmission/dispersal of plant diseases

---

Pest and/or beneficial records:

Beneficial	Pest/Disease/Weed	Crop/Product	Country	Quarant.
	Euprosterna elaeasa	Oil palm (Elaeis guineensis)	Colombia
	Stenoma impressella	Oil palm (Elaeis guineensis)	Colombia
	Acharia hyperoche	Oil palm (Elaeis guineensis)	Colombia