Estrategia etológica para el control biológico de Cosmopolites sordidus Germar y Metamasius spp. en banano

Abstract

Banana production in Ecuador faces significant challenges from the pests Cosmopolites sordidus and Metamasius spp., which reduce plantation productivity and cause economic losses. Given the dependence on chemical insecticides, there is a need to explore sustainable biological and ethological control alternatives. In this context, the objective was to evaluate the efficacy of biological agents in the control of Cosmopolites sordidus and Metamasius spp. in banana plantations using different types of traps. Nine treatments were implemented, combining three types of traps (bevel, V-type, sandwich) with attractants and biological agents (B. bassiana, M. anisopliae and S. spinosa). Catches were evaluated at three intervals (48, 96 and 144 hours) in an experimental design with 10 replicates per treatment, recording the total number of specimens caught and the effectiveness of the control. Sandwich traps showed the highest efficacy, especially in combination with S. spinosa, capturing up to 30% more specimens than bevel or V traps. Although entomopathogens showed lower initial efficacy, their prolonged action complements integrated pest management strategies. Sandwich traps are best suited to intensive pest control strategies. The combination of biological and chemical methods optimizes trapping and contributes to more sustainable banana crop management