Aspectos cognitivos, metodológicos e diversidade de pragas na cultura do quiabeiro (Abelmoschus esculentus (L.) Moench) no assentamento irrigado Jacaré-Curituba, Sergipe, Brasil

Abstract

This study aimed: a) characterize the knowledge and practices of local management okra pests (Abelmoschus esculentus L. (Moench)); b) to compare sampling forms of insect fauna in agroecosystems using local knowledge of farmers, and c) characterize the descriptive attributes used in the recognition of insects of agricultural importance in an irrigated settlement in the semi-arid zone of the State of Sergipe, northeastern Brazil. The fieldwork for the conventional survey of the entomofauna was held on commercial cultivation area of okra. The site survey of entomological knowledge was carried out with 36 key informants. It analyzed the combined use of techniques "free list" and projective interviews, with the use of two types of visual stimuli: stock photos and entomological box. Through the checklist-interview technique informants were encouraged to identify and provide information on the ecology and the criteria used in the recognition of 10 insect species occurring in the study area, plus a species that did not occur. During the conventional survey of insect fauna were collected 54,936 individuals distributed over 3 orders, 12 families and 15 species, 11 species of phytophagous insects and 4 of predatory insects. The species Bemisia tabaci biotype B, Aphis gossypii, Phenacoccus sp., Icerya purchasi and Lagria vilosa were the main pests found in okra culture. In relation to the assessment of insect pests, the results were coincident for both techniques (conventional sampling and free list). Comparing the interview with visual stimulus (picture) and witness samples (entomological box) revealed that the latter was more effective. The key pests of the crop were the most recognized by the informants and natural enemies the least. Smaller insects were mainly recognized according to ecological aspects (eating habits). Larger insects were recognized from descriptive attributes related to morphology (color, size and shape of the body). This knowledge is higher among the elderly. The information found in the scientific literature on the pattern of vertical distribution of B. tabaci and A. gossypii coincide with the preference indicated by key informants of the research. The results of this study will be used in the construction of a Participative Integrated Management of Okra Pest Program, with potential application in other agricultural ecosystems.