Bioecology of Bactericera cockerelli (Sulc.) on potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) crops in provinces of Tungurahua and Cotopaxi, Ecuador

Abstract

The potato psyllid, Bactericera cockerelli (Šulc) (Hemiptera: Psyllidae) has gained more relevance in recent years due to its invasive ability, wide range of host plants and ability to transmit pathogens. Due to it was recently reported in Ecuador, in this study the geographical distribution, intra-plant distribution and biology of B. cockerelli was studied on potato in the provinces of Tungurahua and Cotopaxi. Sampling was carried out in 14 localities from five municipalities of Tungurahua province (Ambato, Tisaleo, Mocha, Quero and Pelileo) and in five localities from Cotopaxi province (Municipality of Salcedo). Biology was studied on potato leaves cultivar Super Chola under laboratory conditions (21.2 ° C and 49.6% relative humidity). The pest was detected in 7 of the 14 localities sampled in the Ambato and Píllaro (Tungurahua), while in the Salcedo (Cotopaxi) it was found in three of the five sampling locations. Regarding the intra-plant distribution, wide variability was observed in the different strata of the plant (upper, middle, and lower), suggesting that the pest does not show preference to select the substrate for oviposition or feeding. The biological cycle showed an average total duration of 22.93 days, with 59.6% mortality rate during the egg phase. The results obtained show important information on the bioecology of B. cockerelli in this region, however, studies are required to evaluate other aspects of the pest.