Post by Acta Agrícola y Pecuaria

📢 New publication | Identification, Capture, and Population Fluctuation of Katydids (Orthoptera: Tettigoniidae) Damaging Cultivated Plants in a Cacao Agroecosystem in Tabasco, Mexico What katydid species are associated with cacao agroecosystems, and how can they be monitored effectively? A new research article explores the identification, capture efficiency, and population dynamics of katydids (Orthoptera: Tettigoniidae) associated with cultivated plants in a cacao agroecosystem in Tabasco, Mexico. Given that Tabasco represents more than 65% of Mexico’s cultivated cacao area, understanding insect communities affecting production is essential for sustainable crop management. Through nocturnal surveys and taxonomic identification, the study documented seven species of Pseudophyllinae, six of which were identified at species level. Additionally, five trap designs baited with ripe banana were evaluated over a one-year period under a randomized complete block design. Results showed that all trap designs had comparable capture performance, with no significant differences among treatments (p > 0.05). Katydids were detected year-round, with notable population peaks occurring between October–December 2024 and August–September 2025, providing valuable information for improving monitoring strategies in cacao production systems. 🔍 Why does this matter? • Expands knowledge of katydid diversity associated with cacao agroecosystems • Provides practical information for insect monitoring in tropical production systems • Identifies seasonal population peaks that may support management decisions • Evaluates accessible trapping alternatives for field monitoring• Contributes to sustainable pest surveillance in cacao cultivation 📖 Read the full article: https://lnkd.in/eRrqEfSq #Cacao #Orthoptera #Tettigoniidae #Katydids #InsectMonitoring #PopulationDynamics #Agroecosystems #IntegratedPestManagement #Entomology #SustainableAgriculture #ActaAgrícolaYPecuaria