Caracterización de la asociación entre organismos y plantas de poder en el Tropicario del Jardín Botánico de Bogotá

Abstract

Understanding ecological interactions is essential for assessing the health and dynamics of plant species. This study aimed to document and identify the biotic interactions associated with species of the genera Brugmansia and Salvia in two environments with different levels of biological management within the Bogotá Botanical Garden: the Tropicario and the outdoor area. Four species were studied: Salvia bogotensis and Brugmansia sanguinea in the outdoor setting, and Salvia divinorum and Brugmansia x candida in the Tropicario. Organisms associated with these plants were collected, identified, and documented; visible symptoms were characterized, and the types of interactions present were analyzed. The results revealed marked contrasts depending on the environment. Outdoor species exhibited minimal to no visible damage, despite the presence of herbivores such as curculionids, membracids, whiteflies, and other Hemipteran insects, suggesting the existence of tolerance mechanisms or effective natural biological control. In S. bogotensis, notable interactions were observed with bees and syrphid flies, as well as potential biological control by syrphid and coccinellid larvae. In contrast, species located in the Tropicario exhibited severe damage, largely associated with the proliferation of herbivores such as whiteflies and noctuid caterpillars. This proliferation was likely favored by the environmental stability and absence of natural enemies, which allowed herbivores to surpass the plants’ defenses. These findings highlight the significant influence of environmental context on ecological interactions and plant health. While open environments tend to support biological equilibrium, controlled spaces may facilitate imbalances and pest outbreaks.