Insects associated with the cultivation of chard (Beta vulgaris L.) with organic management, in the central coast, Lima, Peru

Abstract

The study was conducted from January 18 to April 17, 2023, in an organic field of the Research and Social Projection Program - Vegetables of the National Agrarian University La Molina (UNALM), in the central coast of Lima, Peru, to evaluate the main phytophagous insects and natural enemies associated with the cultivation of Chard (Beta vulgaris L.), cultivar Fordhook Giant. The field was divided into four sectors of 39.2 m2 each and the evaluation corresponds to 32 plants per sector using the technique of direct evaluation of the plant; in addition, the damage caused by phytophagous insects was described. Three pests were evaluated: Conotrachelus sp. Dejean 1835, Diabrotica sp. Chevrolat, 1837 (adult insects) and Herpetogramma bipunctalis Fabricius, 1794 (larvae). Natural enemies were also evaluated at the same time as the pests. The amount of Conotrachelus sp. was higher compared to the other phytophages. There are statistical differences between phytophagous insects and also in beneficial insects (family Nabidae and Coccinellidae) at their population levels.