2024/11/04 by Alexandre Specht, Ranyse B. Querino, Willian Rogers Ferreira de Camargo +3 · 2 voices
Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology · Agricultural and Biological Sciences · #Biochemical and biochemical processes #Insect and Pesticide Research #Plant and animal studies
paper · pdf · doi:10.12741/ebrasilis.v17.e1095
openalex publication_date 2024/11/04 · openalex created_date 2025/10/10 · openalex updated_date 2026/07/02
Given its culinary importance and high market value, the cultivation of Vanilla (Orchidaceae) has been expanding annually in Brazil. As observed in many crops, the increase in cultivated areas leads to a greater incidence of insects associated with species of this genus. This study reports the herbivory of larvae from Cremna thasus (Stoll, 1780) (Papilionoidea: Riodinidae: Riodininae), Hypercompe cunigunda (Stoll, 1781) (Noctuoidea: Erebidae: Arctiinae), and Spodoptera cosmioides Walker, 1858 (Noctuoidea: Noctuidae: Noctuinae) on Vanilla bahiana Hoehne and V. planifolia Andrews in the Federal District, Brazil. A list of 19 Lepidoptera species from six families associated with Vanilla spp. worldwide is provided based on a literature review. Most (n=15) of them exhibit polyphagous larvae. Given reports of exotic larvae spreading with orchids worldwide and the discussed larval polyphagy, we address precautions that producers of Vanilla and other orchids should take to reduce the incidence of insect pests in crops, especially in areas with intensive cropping systems involving annual commodities such as maize and soybean.