Identification, bioecological aspects and monitoring strategies of Bermudagrass stem maggot: an invasive exotic pest species in Brazil

Abstract

Bermudagrass stem maggot, Atherigona (Atherigona) reversura Villeneuve (Diptera: Muscidae), which is a species not previously documented in South America, was reported for the first time in early 2015 damaging pastures of Cynodon dactylon (L.) Pers. cv. Jiggs located in municipalities of the West region of Santa Catarina State, Brazil. In light of the potential impact of exotic pest species on crop yields and significant damage caused by A. reversura in other countries, this manuscript congregate some information about origin, methods of detection and identification, and bioecological aspects of Bermudagrass stem maggot, as well as it will be discussed strategies for their monitoring in pastures.