Anatomical indicators of Eucalyptus spp. resistance to Glycaspis brimblecombei (Hemiptera: Aphalaridae)

Abstract

The total area of forest crops in Brazil is 9.55 million hectares, of which 7.5 million hectares are Eucalyptus. These crops are the most productive in the world, but may suffer losses due to exotic pests, including Glycaspis brimblecombei Moore (Hemiptera: Aphalaridae) found in Brazil since 2003. Interactions between Eucalyptus plants and insect pests may led to the selection of resistant genotypes. Eucalyptus species are either susceptible or resistant to this pest group, but the damage they suffer needs to be evaluated. The objective was to determine possible leaf anatomy indicators of different Eucalyptus species associated with G. brimblecombei infestations, focusing on plant resistance to this pest. The study was carried out with Eucalyptus camaldulensis, Eucalyptus grandis, Eucalyptus saligna and Eucalyptus urophylla saplings infested or not by G. brimblecombei eggs and nymphs. Eighteen anatomical characteristics of the leaves of these plants were analyzed. The number of stomata on the adaxial and abaxial sides and the glandular area in the central leaf vein are associated with greater or lesser infestation by G. brimblecombei in the Eucalyptus genotypes.