Abstract

SANTOS, A. Lobo; RAMOS, M.  and  MARRAO, R.. Evaluation of the arthropod fauna of almonds orchards under different soil maintenance systems and water regime. Rev. de Ciências Agrárias [online]. 2023, vol.46, n.2, pp.91-100.  Epub June 01, 2023. ISSN 0871-018X.  https://doi.org/10.19084/rca.31344.

The almond (Prunus dulcis) is an economically important crop in Portugal and is in the process of expansion. The assessment of the diversity of arthropods existing in the almond tree canopy becomes essential to know the trophic relationships that are established within it. The aim of this work was to identify the main arthropods present in the almond tree canopy in different soil management systems and water conditions. The trial was carried out in two almond groves, in Corujas, Macedo de Cavaleiros: rainfed and irrigated. They were subdivided into two treatments: 1) mobilized soil and 2) spontaneous vegetation, each with 3 blocks and 5 replications. Modalities 1 and 2 were installed in May 2022. Samples were collected fortnightly, between July and September 2022, performing 6 taps/tree/modality, using the tapping technique, to assess the auxiliary fauna and 20 leaves/ tree to monitor Monosteira unicostata (Hemiptera: Tingidae), Panonychus ulmi (Acari: Tetranychidae) and Tetranychus urticae (Acari: Tetranychidae). Posteriorly, the individuals were counted and their identification was made at order and family level, for the auxiliary fauna and at species level for the pests. The most frequent orders were Hymenoptera (30%) and Araneae (18%). There were no significant differences in the number of arthropods between treatments in the two almond groves. With regard to pests, T. urticae and M. unicostata predominated in both orchards, with greater abundance in the irrigated grove.

Keywords : Almond grove; auxiliary fauna; Trás-os-Montes; M. unicostata; T. urticae; P. ulmi.

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