INSECT FAUNA OF THE RAGWEED (Solanum rostratum Dunal) IN CHAPINGO, STATE OF MEXICO

Abstract

The objective of this study was to identify the species of insects related to the duraznillo (Solanum rostratum Dunal), so as to establish the relation insect-plant, with emphasis in the species with possibilities to be used as natural enemies of this weed. The insects were captured through one year (1989-1990), on plants or duraznillo mulch; to capture insects a sweep-net, a mouth-sucker, and the whole-plant-bag were used. The captured insects belonged to 7 orders, 43 families and 103 species; the major diversity occurred during duraznillo blooming. The number and type of species association were: 46 phytophagous, 32 entomophagous, 15 saprophagous, 2 spermatophagous and pollinators, and 8 without a clear relation to the weed. Of phytophagous species, 25 were identified as agricultural pests. A potential natural enemy of the duraznillo was the larva of Oedicarena tetanops (Diptera: Tephritidae), which was found eating the seeds.