Identification of Heliothinae species (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) in chickpeas in central Brazil

ABSTRACT Chickpea is a commercially exploited crop on relatively new scale in Brazil, that why, little information the main pests available. Mostly caterpillars showing Heliothinae morphological characteristics have emerged production areas. In order to point out species of these insects chickpea fields produced Federal District and surrounding areas, this study aimed determine molecular identification invertebrates assist producers pest management more sustainable way. Caterpillars were hand-collected directly from plants six sites moth collection was collected using light traps four sites, monthly, 2017 2018. The made through adult insect genitalia subsequent performed cytochrome oxidase I enzyme with quantitative PCR technique, which resulted development an efficient low-cost DNA extraction protocol be used samples under unfavorable storage conditions. Morphological studies showed presence Helicoverpa armigera, zea, Chloridea virescens subflexa, predominance plants. subflexa verified for first time feeding chickpeas Brazil.