Insects Associated to Heliconia spp. Inflorescences Used as Ornamental Plants

The exotic and colored inflorescence and green foliage of most Heliconia species are characteristics that permited the ornamental use of this tropical plants. The inflorescence bracts could accumulate exudates, water and floral parts that favor insects occurrence. This aspect should be taken into consideration for Heliconia indication, selection and management as ornamental plants. The objective of this study was to evaluate the insects occurrence associated to Heliconia spp. inflorescences used as ornamental plants. From March 2005 to March 2006, the insects found in Heliconia spp. inflorescences of the UFRPE Heliconia Collection, in Pernambuco-Brazil were collected. The flowering period and meteorological data were considered for the analysis of the insects infestation. The genotypes H. pseudoaemygdiana, H. rauliniana, Heliconia × nickeriensis, H. psittacorum × H. spathocircinata ‘Alan Carle’, H. psittacorum cvs. ‘Suriname Sassy’, ‘Strawberries’, ‘Red Opal’ and ‘Red Gold’, and H. latispatha ‘Yellow-Red Gyro’ presented less than 20% of infested inflorescences, however, it occurred in more than 50% of the assessed months, excepted for H. pseudoaemygdiana and H. rauliniana. The months of higher temperature demonstrated the highest number of infested inflorescences.