Bioecology and management of white grub (Phyllophaga sp.), in the production of cocoa (Theobroma cacao), Río San Juan, Nicaragua

Abstract

White grubs (Phyllophaga sp.) is the predominant soil pest in Central American crops, it affects cacao (Theobroma cacao), and a large number of crops from different botanical families. There is no record of varieties of cacao tolerant to white grubs attack and the management alternatives are focused on the application of synthetic chemicals, whose residual effects on soils and crops are not compatible with the phytosanitary requirements established by the certifying agencies. The objective of this paper is to document the problems caused by white grubs in cocoa plantations in the South Atlantic Autonomous Region (RAAS), based on a fi eld study carried out for the recognition of species, incidence, severity, damage characterization, population distribution and design of a white grubs management strategy in the San Sebastian farm, located northwest of the Buena Vista community, in the municipality of Boca de Sabalo in the department of Río San Juan in December 2016. Some taxonomic and biological aspects are emphasized of the plague that makes it predictable to focus on an adequate management of it; recommendations about strategies for sustainable management of the pest are proposed and emphasis is placed on premises or basic technical aspects to be taken into account in order to design an efficient white grubs management strategy for the medium and long term.