A thrips as vector of the "supersprouting" fungus disease in Guaraná plants of the Central Amazon

Abstract

Liothrips adisi (Thysanoptera, Insecta) was found to be the vector of Fusarium decemcellulare, causal agent of supersprouting in the guaraná species Paulinia cupana var. sorbilis. Cutting of infested plant parts and biological control of thrips by two species of ants are proposed. Improvement of P. cupara against insect attacks by grafting with P. rugosa and by genetic alteration is suggested