Ocurrence of Eriosema pycnanthum in the ferruginous rock field (canga) and its interaction with Dichelops melacanthus: a case study in Itapecerica, MG.

Abstract

Introduction: Eriosema pycnanthum is a Fabaceae at risk of extinction, little reported in the scientific literature. In the region of Itapecerica-MG, it is used by the local population as a medicine to help in the healing of skin wounds. Objective: To determine the practice of phytophagy by Dichelops melacanthus (Heteroptera:

Pentatomidae) on E. pycnanthum. Methodology: Different dispersion maps and histological analyses of leaf tissue and chemical analysis of the soil profile were mapped and prepared. Results: In this study, we mapped the overlapping areas of dispersion of the species E. pycnanthum and D. melacanthus in the region of Itapecerica-MG, highlighting the territorial gain of the insect, which opportunistically feeds on E. pycnanthum during the corn cultivation intervals, causing potential damage to the plant due to the emergence of areas of leaf necrosis, with marked destruction of the leaf mesophyll and palisade tissue, externally perceived as yellowish spots on the leaf surfaces. Conclusion: D. melacanthus performs opportunistic phytophagy on E. pycnanthum.