Ethnoecology of white grubs (Coleoptera: Melolonthidae) among the Tzeltal Maya of Chiapas

Abstract

A participatory study of white grubs of the family Melolonthidae among the Tzeltal Maya recorded traditional knowledge of this pest, and also maize cultivation practices utilized for deliberately or not managing the populations.This group of farmers has an ample knowledge of the bioecology of Melolonthidae present in their community.They know major life stages, and also natural enemies of larvae and adults, as well as the host plants used by the latter.Recorded agricultural practices that can reduce the damage caused by grubs include preparation of the fields; sowing; and hilling up soil around the plant.We contrast the knowledge of this Tzeltal group with knowledge generated by bioscientific methods, to make it possible to integrate and render the Tzeltal methods useful in possible programs for sustainable pest management.