Hymenoptera associated with conilon coffee crops in Espírito Santo state, Brazil, with emphasis on the families Diapriidae, Platygastridae and Scelionidae

Abstract

Information about parasitoid wasp fauna can help determine the most appropriate methods for maintaining the ecological balance in agroecosystems, as these organisms are efficient natural enemies of various agricultural pests. The aim of this study was to survey the Hymenoptera families in conilon coffee plantations intercropped with other crops, focusing on the Diapriidae, Platygastridae and Scelionidae families, in order to determine wasps that could possibly act as biological controls. The study was carried out in eight conilon coffee farms located in three municipalities (Linhares, Marilândia and Sooretama) in Espírito Santo state, Brazil, with field samples collected in May (dry season) and December (rainy season) 2014. Were collected 1084 Hymenoptera specimens distributed in 10 superfamilies and 25 families. Fourteen genera of Scelionidae were collected, with Telenomus (34%), Idris (15%), Trissolcus (14%) and Ceratobaeus (10%) as the most abundant genera; seven genera of Diapriidae were collected with Doliopria (41%), Basalys (22%) and Trichopria (20%) as the most abundant; and two genera of Platygastridae were collected: Leptacis (52%) and Synopeas (14%). The highest abundance of wasp individuals was found in coffee intercropped with rubber trees. Intercropped coffee cultivation could potentially attract more natural enemies, as well as egg parasitoids that are promising biological controls.