INSECTS ASSOCIATED WITH Jatropha curcas L., IN THE CENTRAL REGION OF THE STATE OF VERACRUZ, MEXICO

Abstract

In recent years the cultivation of the Mexican pine nut (Jatropha curcas L.), has taken on great importance because it has a potential as bioenergetic, for the oil that its seeds contain. Like any other oil plants, this specie is susceptible to attack by various insects, mites, and other arthropods. Some insects have been reported in the states of Chiapas, Morelos and Yucatan, but in the state of Veracruz there is a little information found about it. For this reason, different types of insects associated with Jatropha curcas L., were identified in the region of Veracruz. Among the insects found are: pollinators (Cerambycidae, Melolontthidae, Libellulidae, Syrphidae), defoliators (Noctuidae, Tettigoniidae, Eumasticidae, Pyrrhocoridae), parasites (Tiphiidae), and predators (Asilidae, Araneidae, Thomisidae).