Tamarind, Tamarindus indica L., is an economically important crop in the dry tropical region of Western Mexico. For more than a decade, damage caused by an insect borer in seeds has been observed. Since 2006, taxonomical identification, biology, hosts, and integrated management of the insect have been studied. In this review, current knowledge of the tamarind seed borer is presented. The beetle is 4 to 6 mm long, with a brown-colored body with pubescence, large hind legs, and large serrated antennae. Its elytra do not cover the last abdominal segments. The larvae are 7 to 8 mm long, pinkish-white in color, and slightly mobile. In the Western region of Mexico, tamarind is the main host. The insect oviposits on different legumes; however, only on tamarind (followed by peanut and chickpea) can it complete its life cycle. According to these characteristics, the insect was identified as Caryedon serratus Oliver and affects tamarind pods at pre-and postharvest. Its control should be oriented to damage reduction in the field and storage. The use of insecticides (deltamethrin and paraffinic oil) before harvest is suggested. Also, all the fruits on the tree must be cut during harvest, because this insect is able to complete its life cycle in them. The fumigation of the pods with aluminum phosphide can reduce damage during storage.
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1 September 2012
El Barrenador de la Semilla Caryedon serratus Oliver (Coleoptera: Bruchidae) en Tamarindo en el Trópico Seco de México — Una Revisión
Mario Orozco-Santos,
Karina García-Mariscal,
Manuel Robles-González,
José Joaquín Velázquez-Monreal,
Miguel Ángel Manzanilla-Ramírez,
Luis Martín Hernández Fuentes,
Gilberto Manzo-Sánchez,
Daniel Nieto-Ángel
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Southwestern Entomologist
Vol. 37 • No. 3
September 2012
Vol. 37 • No. 3
September 2012