Cassava is attacked by numerous pests and diseases that cause significant losses, especially in South America, its area of origin. Some pathogens attack only the stakes and invade the vascular system, constituting primary sources of infection, while others attack only foliar or root tissues. This...

Biological control in Argentina has a longstanding tradition with records of natural enemy introductions since the beginning of the 20th century, mainly between 1900 and 1940. Eight predators, 70 parasitoids and seven pathogens have been introduced for arthropod control, plus eight weed biocontrol...

This chapter presents a study attempting to document the most significant arthropod invasions in mainland South America, with particular emphasis on scales (e.g., Coccidae, Diaspididae and Pseudococcidae). A regional species inventory was developed, based upon (gray) literature revision, and...

This chapter describes the biology, life cycle, distribution, host plants, damage, and control (using insecticides, sex pheromones, plant resistance and biological control agents), and rearing of Diabrotica speciosa, an important soil pest in South America.

This chapter focuses on the South American tomato pinworm Tuta absoluta (i) origin, spread and current distribution; (ii) basic but critical information regarding bioecology; (iii) rearing techniques; (iv) known host plants; (v) sampling and monitoring techniques; and (vi) control methods available ...

The tomato fruit borer, N. elegantalis (Lepidoptera: Crambidae) is one of the most important pests in the production of Solanaceae in South America. This chapter reports several aspects of its biology (including life cycle and morphology), habits, geographical range, monitoring and sampling...

Gall midges are a major problem of horticultural crops (tomatoes, potatoes, asparagus, pepper) in the Caribbean region and in South America. This chapter describes the hot pepper (Capsicum chinense) gall midge (HPGM) classified as Contarinia spp., undetermined species, and Prodiplosis longifila....

This chapter focuses on five phytophagous mites that were reported in South America during the last decade and that were considered relevant due to their current or potential socioeconomic importance and/or their invasive history: the Hindustan Citrus Mite, Schizotetranychus hindustanicus; the...

The citrus orthezia, Praelongorthezia praelonga (Hemiptera: Ortheziidae), is a highly polyphagous scale insect that causes plant damage both directly by its feeding and indirectly due to its associated sooty moulds (generally caused by a fungus, Capnodium sp.). This Neotropical species currently is ...

This book highlights studies on potential invasive pests, focusing on pests from South America, Central America and the islands of the Caribbean basin. These include the Coleopterans, followed by the Lepidopterans. The importance of several dipterans is also treated. Tephritid fruit flies are...