Antropodofauna da cultura do arroz de várzea em Alagoas-Brasil

Abstract

Rice crop stands out for its strategic role to various peoples in both social and economics levels. During its development, the crop is affected by various pests, which can significantly reduce productivity. The objective of this work was to know the arthropod’s fauna associated to lowland rice cultivation in the municipality of Igreja Nova, in the State of Alagoas, Brazil. During five months, ten fortnightly samples were done, each one consisting of a one-hour scan with insect net and the collection of 30 plants. The vegetal material was placed in paper bags coated with plastic bags and packed in a refrigerated Styrofoam box. The material collected with entomological net was transferred to plastic jars containing 70% alcohol or, in some cases, to entomological envelopes. All material was taken to the Laboratory of Entomology / Acarology of the Federal University of Alagoas- Campus Arapiraca and examined under stereoscopic microscope. Arthropods found were stored in plastic jars and Eppendorf tubes containing alcohol at 70%, and then properly mounted. Insects were pinned and displayed in entomological boxes and mites were mounted on slides with Hoyer’s medium for microscopy. Subsequently, specimens were identified to the lower possible taxonomic level, using stereoscopic microscope, phase contrast microscope and specialized dichotomous keys. It was collected na amount of 7128 arthropods (adults and immatures), distributed in the following taxa: Insecta (4856), Acari (1929), Araneae (239) and Collembola (104).