Antibiosis and antixenosis of lima bean to Zabrotes subfasciatus (Boh.) (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae: Bruchinae)

Abstract

Lima bean is an important source of protein and income for many families in Northeast Brazil. Zabrotes subfasciatus is the main pest of stored lima bean, which is responsible for quantitative and qualitative losses. Genetic resistance is one of the most promising ways to control pests. Thus, this research aimed to study the genetic resistance of eight accessions of lima bean to Z. subfasciatus attack. Assays were performed in the laboratory with temperature and lighting controlled in a completely randomized design using the UFPI 230, UFPI 264, UFPI 271, UFPI 515, UFPI 468, UFPI 220, UFPI 280, and UFPI 134 accessions as treatments. No-choice and free-choice tests were performed. In the free-choice test significant differences were observed in the number of eggs, emerged insects and larval/pupal mortality using the F test and Scott-Knot, both at 5% of probability. The attractivity and preference indicators for oviposition have shown that there are different resistance levels of no preference type for oviposition. All accessions revealed a low antibiosis level. The UFPI 220, UFPI 468, UFPI264, UFPI 134, and UFPI 230 accessions presented antixenosis resistance when compared to the UFPI 515 accession. The UFPI 515 was the most susceptible.