MONITORAMENTO DE INSETOS E ÁCAROS EM CULTURA DE MANDIOCA NA COMUNIDADE QUILOMBOLA DO BREJÃO

Abstract

Cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz) is a crop of great global importance, standing out for its adaptability, resistance and fundamental role in subsistence, income generation and human and animal nutrition. However, production faces challenges such as pests and diseases, including the lace bug (Vatiga spp.), whitefly (Bemisia tabaci) and phytophagous mites, which can cause serious productivity losses. Integrated Pest Management (IPM) emerges as a sustainable approach to control these pests, involving identification, monitoring and implementation of control strategies. The present study aimed to conduct a survey of the entomofauna and mites associated with cassava crops on properties of the Brejão Quilombola community, in the municipality of Campos Belos-GO. Specifically, we sought to evaluate the population fluctuation of the lace bug (Vatiga manihotae), the occurrence of whiteflies (Bemisia spp.) and mites, considering seasonality. The experiment was conducted in 10 crop areas, with biweekly sampling for 10 months. Statistical analysis was performed by Friedman, Kruskal-Wallis and Dunn to evaluate the variations between properties and collection periods. For V. manihotae, significant differences were observed in "Property" and "Collection" (p < 0.0001), highlighting the influence of seasonality on population fluctuations. In the case of whiteflies, important differences were also identified between locations and times (p < 0.0001), with a higher incidence in improved varieties. Regarding mites, the damage was more severe in local varieties, with a greater presence during the dry season due to the lack of rain - an environmental factor that contributes to the reduction of the mite population. The results indicate that the predicted population variation is strongly associated with environmental factors, agricultural management practices and cassava variety characteristics. The integration of statistical methods reinforces the reliability of the data, contributing to sustainable management strategies. It is concluded that detailed studies of the predicted population dynamics are essential to minimize impacts on agricultural production and promote more efficient practices.