Entomofauna associated with the cultivation of red pitahaya (Hylocereus undatus) in different cantons of the province of Guayas

Abstract

The cultivation of red pitahaya in the Ecuadorian coastal area has increased its surface area considerably, thanks to the opening of new international markets, especially the Chinese market.  Due to this, in the present work, insects present in their different phenological states were collected and identified, for which several farms were visited in various locations in the Daule canton, province of Guayas. The insects present in stems, flowers and fruits of pitahaya were placed in a jar with 70% alcohol; Later, they were taken to the Agrocalidad Entomology Laboratory to be identified.  Several phytophagous insects could be identified such as Legtoglossus zonatus (Coreidae), Trigona spp. (Apidae), Paracoccus marginatus and Ferrisia virgata (Pseudoccocidae). The recorded information served to understand the entomofauna present in the red pitahaya crop and consider this information as a tool for future decisions within integrated pest management.