INTERACCIÓN MACROFAUNA-MICROBIOTA: EFECTOS DE LA TRANSFORMACIÓN DE RESIDUOS DE COSECHA SOBRE LA ACTIVIDAD DE ß-GLUCOSIDASA EDÁFICA.

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 between the population assemblages and respecting the control treatment. It was shown that precisely two Oryctini (Coleoptera: Scarabaeoidea) species, historically regarded as pests, are the ones which through their synergic interaction with the edaphic microbiota, led to high β-glucosidase levels in soils. Results indicate that the rhinoceros beetle Podischnus agenor 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. Strategus aloeus Linné, in association with P. agenor displayed a similar behaving. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]