Observaciones Sobre la Fase No Parasitica Del Ciclo de Vida de Boophilus Microplus (Canestrini) En la Altillanura Plana Colombiana 1

Preliminary observations were conducted on the nonparasitic phase of the life cicle of Boophilus microplus in four different types of pastures: Andropogon gayanus, Brachiaria decumbens, Melinis minutiflora and native savanna. Studies were conducted at the "Carimagua" Research Center, located in the eastern plains of Colombia. Observations were mainly oriented towards the standardization of methodology. The adult-larvae period (PAL); larval survival (SL) and total longevity (LT) were determined on grass plots and cylinders of brass wiregauze. On cylinders, quantitative methods of reproductive capacity as Eficiency Conversion Index (IEC) and Reproductive Potencial Index (IPR), were evaluated.

The PAL did not change withing different grasses and it varied from 27 to 32 days according the month of exposure. The grass plot method was the best.

The SL varied according the grass and month of exposure, being on dry and hot months shorter in Andropogon and longer in Brachiaria.

The LT was short enough in the dry months to lead to recomendations on the use of pasture spelling methods for tick control, but precise information is needed. More research is necesary on quantitative methods before their use on field work.