First report of Liogenys suturalis (Blanchard) (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae: Melolonthinae) in Argentinian crops and the first report of damage on soybean

Abstract

Liogenys Guérin-Méneville is one of the most species rich genera in the Scarabaeidae family endemic to South America. Some species of this genus are important root-feeding pests of maize, soybean, wheat and oat in their larval stage. Prior to the present study, all known reports of damage caused by any Liogenys species were from Brazil. Since 2006 in Argentina white grubs of the genus Liogenys (not previsouly identified to species level) have been recorded causing a decrease in soybean yields. This research confirms that the Argentinian species is L. suturalis (Blanchard), an important pest already recorded in Brazil but associated with yield losses of maize crops instead of soybean. Taxonomical and biological data observed in Argentinian populations are presented. This is the first record of L. suturalis damaging soybean and its first report in Argentinian crops.