GLYCASPIS BRIMBLECOMBEI (HEMIPTERA: APHALARIDAE) IN EUCALYPTUS FOREST PLANTATIONS: A REVIEW

Abstract

The species Glycaspis brimblecombei is a psyllid that severely affects eucalyptus plantations in Brazil. This exotic pest poses a significant threat to the forest agroindustry, a crucial sector for the Brazilian economy. G. brimblecombei is a sucking insect that feeds on eucalyptus leaves, causing damage to forest productivity. Its multivoltine characteristic allows multiple generations per year, complicating control. Although the specific economic impact of G. brimblecombei is not mentioned, similar pests can reduce yields by up to 20%. To manage this and other pests, the forestry sector adopts Integrated Pest Management (IPM), which combines various strategies such as biological control, selection of resistant plants, and constant monitoring. However, each region in Brazil receives a different impact from this pest due to variations in environmental conditions. Climatic factors, especially temperature and precipitation, significantly influence the population density of G. brimblecombei. Rainfall, in particular, can drastically reduce populations of the insect by removing the nymphs' protective shells. Periods of drought, on the other hand, favor the population growth of the pest. Thus, rainier regions may suffer less severe damage than drier regions. Therefore, the heterogeneous distribution of rainfall in Brazil results in variations in the presence of the psyllid, requiring management strategies adapted to different regions to ensure the sustainability of forest production.

DOI:https://doi.org/10.56238/sevened2024.029-028