Abstract

STECHAUNER R., ROMAN  and  MADRINAN M., RAÚL. MACROFAUNA-MICROBIOTA INTERACTION: CROP RESIDUE TRANSFORMATION EFFECTS ON THE EDAPHIC ß-GLUCOSIDASE ACTIVITY. Rev.Bio.Agro [online]. 2013, vol.11, n.1, pp.184-195. ISSN 1692-3561.

In soils, the macro invertebrate-microorganism-biomass interaction is a fundamental axis for carbon cycling. Sugarcane is a major biomass-producing, abundant crop residues are left on the field. These crop residues are frequently burned before harvesting in Colombia. This work studied the sugar cane residues transformation by scarab larvae and microorganisms interactions, taking account of the β-glucosidase activity. The crop residues consumption by population assemblages of three Dynastinae scarab species was evaluated. Significative differences in β-glucosidase activity were found betweenthe population assemblages and respecting the control treatment. It was shown that precisely two Oryctini (Coleoptera: Scarabaeoidea) species, historically regarded as pests, are the ones whichthrough their synergic interaction with the edaphic microbiota, led to high ß-glucosidaselevels in soils. Results indicate that the rhinoceros beetle Podischnusagenor Oliver is the major litter consumer and positively contributes to sugar cane crops, as far as its feeding requirements are not restricted by pre-harvest burning.StrategusaloeusLinné, in association with P. agenor displayed a similar behaving.

Keywords : Decomposition; Dynastinae; Cellulase; Sugar Cane.

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