Coraliomela brunnea (Thunberg, 1821) (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae): Occurrence of a Pest of Cocos nucifera in the State of Alagoas, Northeastern Brazil
Abstract
The fruit of Cocos nucifera Linnaeus (Arecales: Arecaceae) is widely marketed in Brazil, especially in the Northeast Region, where it is consumed fresh and used as a raw material for products such as flour, milk, and oil, while its water is widely appreciated as a beverage. Diseases and pests, including defoliating beetles, compromise coconut production. This study aimed to report the first occurrence of Coraliomela brunnea (Thunberg, 1821) (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) damaging plants of C. nucifera var. Green Dwarf in the state of Alagoas, Northeastern Brazil, and to update its current distribution. Defoliation caused by Co. brunnea was observed on a young C. nucifera var. Green Dwarf plant, highlighting its importance as a pest of young coconut plants. This record of Co. brunnea in Alagoas expands its known distribution in the Northeastern Region.
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Authors: Rodrigo Almeida PINHEIRO, Maria Jéssica dos Santos Cabral, Livia Silva Freitas, Samuel Victor dos Santos, Samuel Cunha Oliveira Giordani, Otavio Rodrigues dos Santos, Estefânia Vitória da Hora Marques, Carlos Henrique Dionízio da Silva, Claudimary Bispo dos Santos, Marcus Alvarenga Soares
Institutions: Universidade Federal dos Vales do Jequitinhonha e Mucuri, Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University, Universidade Estadual de Alagoas