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Title: Spiders associated with papaya, Carica papaya L., in Puerto Rico

Author
item Pantoja, Alberto
item BASTIDAS, HAROLD - FEDEARROZ COLOMBIA
item PENA, JORGE - UNIV. OF FLORIDA

Submitted to: Journal of Agriculture of the University of Puerto Rico
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: 3/23/2010
Publication Date: 10/20/2010
Citation: Pantoja, A., Bastidas, H., Pena, J. 2010. Spiders associated with papaya, Carica papaya L., in Puerto Rico. Journal of Agriculture of the University of Puerto Rico. 94(1-2):189-193.

Interpretive Summary: Spiders are considered important and abundant predators in fruit trees and annual crops. In spite of representing a large part of the predators present in deciduous crops, little is known about spider’s abundance and species composition in papaya plantings in the Caribbean region. In Puerto Rico where papaya is an important crop, most of the entomological work has concentrated on pest species composition, population dynamics and integrated pest management, but little work has been devoted to biological control of papaya insects. Little is known about the spider species in less stable tree systems like papaya. Data on spider species composition, population dynamics, and their contribution in controlling natural pest populations is needed in order to develop integrated pest management (IPM) programs in papaya. The objective of this work was to identify spiders associated with papaya plantings in Puerto Rico and study their population dynamics. Nineteen species from seven families and 15 genera were identified. The family Theridiidae were the most abundant, represented by the genus Anelosimus and Theridula. The highest spider density was documented in the locality of Corozal. The highest relative density was detected during the months of July to August.

Technical Abstract: The main objective of this work was to study the species composition and population dynamics of spiders associated with papaya plantings in three papaya production areas: Corozal, Isabela, and Lajas, Puerto Rico. Nineteen species representing seven families and 15 genera were identified. Members of the family Theridiidae were the most abundant, represented by two genera, Anelosimus and Theridula. The highest spider density was documented in the locality of Corozal. The highest relative density was detected during the months of July to August.