Factors such as fertilization, allelochemicals, trichomes, weather, and
natural enemies can influence pest populations. Thus, it is necessary
to understand the factors that predispose vegetable species to pests
and the role of polyculture, crop rotation, and neighboring plants. The
objective of this research was to study the hosting capacity for pests
of Abelmoschus esculentus (L.), Brassica oleracea L. vars. acephala
and capitata, Capsicum annuum L., Cucurbita moschata (Duchesne),
Cucurbita maxima Duchesne and Cucumis sativus L., Lycopersicon
esculentum Mill., Solanum gilo Raddi and Solanum melongena L.,
and Phaseolus vulgaris L. The higher density of Bemisia tabaci
(Genn.) adults on C. sativus can be due to the higher amount of
pentacosane and octacosane in this plant. The occurrence of Brevicoryne
brassicae (L.) only in Brassica spp. can be accounted for by the
nonacosane of these plants. The low trichome density and greater
palmitic acid level can explain the greatest damage by Aphis gossypii
Glover in A. esculentum. Empoasca sp. was more frequent in P. vulgaris
followed by A. esculentum, which are plants with lower K content.
Solanum melongena was attacked more by Hydrangea similis (Walker)
and Epitrix sp. perhaps because of higher palmitic acid and
11,14,17-eicosatrienoic methyl ester concentrations in their leaves.
Frankliniella sp. exhibited more damage in C. sativus probably owing to
higher pentacosane and octacosane in its leaves. Sistena sp. was more
frequent in C. maxima and had higher octadecane levels and trichome
density. The presence of ∞-humulene and hexacosane can explain
the damage by Tuta absoluta (Meyrick) on L. esculentum