Bug-killing flies (Diptera, Tachinidae, Phasiinae) in soy, corn and cotton fields of the São Paulo State: integrative taxonomy and host relationship, aiming future applications for pest biological control

• Grant number: 24/06165-6
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships abroad - Research Internship - Post-doctor
• Effective date (Start): December 27, 2024
• Effective date (End): December 26, 2025
• Field of knowledge: Biological Sciences - Zoology - Taxonomy of Recent Groups
• Principal Investigator: Carlos José Einicker Lamas
• Grantee: Rodrigo de Vilhena Perez Dios
• Supervisor: Torsten Dikow
• Host Institution: Museu de Zoologia (MZ). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). São Paulo , SP, Brazil
• Research place: Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History, United States
• Associated to the scholarship: 22/14482-6 - Bug-killing flies (Diptera, Tachinidae, Phasiinae) in soy, corn and cotton fields of the São Paulo State: integrative taxonomy and host relationship, aiming future applications for pest biological control, BP.PD

Abstract

In Brazil, chemical control is widely used, alongside integrated pest management, however, its inappropriate use generates several environmental and social problems. Therefore, biological control, which is one of the integrated pest management techniques, is known as one of the best alternatives to solve these problems. Nevertheless, it is a field that presents a lot of potential to be developed in Brazil, mainly with regards to the use of Tachinidae parasitoid flies for biological control, which is little explored in our territory. Among insect pests, true bugs species (Heteroptera) are among the most problematic, considering some agricultural crops, because of their biological characteristics, causing enormous economic and environmental damage, due to the excessive use of phytosanitary products to control them. Among Tachinidae, the subfamily Phasiinae is known for being specialized parasitoids of true bugs. Studies reveal that these flies could present interesting solutions for these problems and could be effective for integrative pest management in agricultural systems. Nonetheless, there are some obstacles to its use, and the problem is partly related to the lack of knowledge about these organisms, whether regarding taxonomic issues or questions related to their biology. This project aims to solve part of these problems, using integrative taxonomy, combining morphological, ecological and molecular data, seeking to increase knowledge about the taxonomy and biology of these organisms, as well as their relationship with their hosts. Disseminating and making data accessible is expected to help the development of new strategies for the management of pest species of true bugs in large crops through biological control in Brazil.