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A study was conducted in order to determine the main species of rhizophagous insects associated to the turfgrass varieties in the Varadero Golf Club (Matanzas, Cuba). During 2010-2015 root samples from the turf of varieties Bermuda grass 328 and tifdwarf (hybrids obtained from Cynodon dactylon (L.) Pers x Cynodon transvaalensis Burtt-Davy) were evaluated, which were extracted through a hole-cutting device. In them the main associated rhizophagous insects were collected and the lesions were identified and described. Thirteen insect species were found, corresponding to five orders and eight families, which were found in all the game areas (except in the rough); the taxa with higher incidence belonged to the orders Hemiptera and Coleoptera. Due to the affectations they caused on the turf of both hybrids the burrower bugs Dallasiellus varaderensis Marrero and Mayorga, Tominotus inconspicuus Froeschner and the true weevils Sphenophorus sp. (1) and Sphenophorus sp. (2) stood out; proving their potential as pest insects of the turf in Cuba for the grasses of the Cynodon genus, because the root affectations caused chlorosis, burns and localized death of the turfgrass in the Varadero Golf Club. As a result of the inventory conducted the recording, for the first time, of the two species of the Sphenophorus genus stands out. It is recommended to identify the Sphenophorus species and to include them, along with D. varaderensis and T. inconspicuus, in the available list of the insect species associated to turfgrasses in the country. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cabbage constitutes one of the most important vegetable crops all over the world. This research work was aimed at identifying the essential insect pests affecting cabbage (Brassica oleracea var. Capitata) and other natural enemies, by studying population performance of the main insects and control choices at the areas from the National Centre of Animal and Plant Health (CENSA). Thus, two fields were selected: one intercropped with cabbage and corn, certain weed levels and sunflower plants, whereas another one including mustard (Brassica sp.) between bordering weeds. A randomized block design with fixed plants was followed. Samples were counted and identified in the laboratory, Lipaphis erysimi and Plutella xylostella being the main pest-causing organisms (OCP). Lipaphis erysimi was parasitized by Diaeretiella rapae. Aphid populations increased up to a top at mid-cycle and then it started to decrease, meanwhile parasitoids were detected at mid-cycle and kept a tendency to increase. Population levels of Plutella xylostella were very low, but there were white flies and other OCP. Population levels of aphids and other OCP were lower in the field no. 1, which proves the positive effect of using border areas and intercroppings in these populations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]