PERCEPTION OF THE USE OF NEONICOTINOIDS, SPINOSAD, AND NEREISTOXIN IN INSECTS POLLINATING PAPAYA (Carica papaya L.), PERSIAN LEMON (Citrus × latifolia Tanaka), AND SOURSOP (Anona muricata L.) IN VERACRUZ, MEXICO

Resumen

Pollinating insects in tropical fruit trees are of utmost importance for flower pollination and ensuring fruit production. However, given the current climatic conditions and the chemical management practices, they are affected by the residual effects of neonicotinoids, spinosad, and nereistoxin on the flowering of papaya (Carica papaya L.), Persian lemon (Citrus × latifolia Tanaka), and soursop (Annona muricata L.). The overuse of these insecticides has led to the decline of pollinating insects such as honeybees. The objective of this study was to assess the use of neonicotinoid insecticides spinosad and nereistoxin during flowering of papaya, Persian lemon, and soursop, and evaluate stakeholders’ perceptions of the impact of pollinator population density in central Veracruz, Mexico. A survey was carried out among papaya, Persian lemon, and soursop producers through a questionnaire with open and closed questions. The data were analyzed using frequency and multivariate analyses with the statistical package STATISTICA version 7.0. Results show that producers use imidacloprid, thiamethoxam, acetamiprid, spinosad, and the nereistoxin known as thiocyclam to control mites and insect pests. Producers observed damage to bees and beneficial insects after applying these chemicals. In conclusion, the management and application of toxic insecticides for pest control pose a significant risk to pollinating insects.