Occurrence and distribution of lace bug, whitefly, and shoot fly pest species on cassava (Manihot esculenta) crops according to region in Paraná State, Brazil

The cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz) crop is relevant for human livelihoods, particularly in poorer regions. It consumed fresh or as industrialized flour, and the roots aerial parts are also used to feed livestock. Pests may limit production, which endanger food security due socioeconomic importance of crop. Reports occurrence three insect guilds, lace bugs, shoot flies, whiteflies have been recorded Paraná State, Brazil, but distinct species their distribution yet be determined. This lack information limits development strategies mitigate pest damage. Surveys were conducted 39 counties (four farms per county) distributed throughout state that encompass various collected material was properly packed sent laboratory identification, following identified: bugs Vatiga illudens Drake, 1922 manihotae (both Hemiptera: Tingidae); Bemisia tuberculata (Bondar, 1923) Aleurothrixus aepim (Goeldi, 1886) Aleyrodidae), fly Neosilba perezi Romero & Ruppel, 1973 (Diptera: Lonchaeidae) State. Lace not found samples eastern southern portions state. V. more widespread than manihotae. whitefly A. observed (eastern, southern, central regions), whereas B. all regions sampled Suggestions future investigations management proposed.