Odoiporus longicollis Oliver (Coleoptera: Curculionidae): a threat to Brazilian banana cultivation?

Abstract

Banana is one of the most appreciated fruits in the world. Highly nutritious and accessible, it is part of the staple diet of millions of people, especially in developing countries. Brazil is one of its largest producers and consumers in the world. However, the high susceptibility of banana plants to various pests and pathogens causes sharp decreases in the productivity of plantations in different parts of the world. The pseudostem weevil Odoiporus longicollis is considered one of the most striking pests of this culture; however, until now, its presence is still restricted to the equatorial zone of Asia. However, what does it make this beetle a major threat to the global banana production? And, in Brazil, what would be the damage caused by this insect? To answer these and other questions, the objective of this review work was to outline a brief overview of the main characteristics of this insect and, thus, to stimulate the discussion on the development of strategies to strengthen the phytosanitary barriers in our country, in order to prevent the entry of this agent, which can generate huge losses for the national banana production.