S14 - Session P5 - Diversity of natural enemies associated with arthropod pest of vegetable crop in Senegal

Authors: Etienne Tendeng *, Babacar LABOU, Mamadou Diatte, Elhadji Serigne Sylla, Amadou Baldé, Oumar Seydi, Pape Diop, Issa Alé Ndiaye, Serigne Omar Sene, karamoko Diarra

Arthropod pests of crops are a permanent threat to horticultural production. Most of Arthropod pest's families are very poorly known in the Casamance agro-ecological zone because few research studies have been conducted. A better knowledge of the natural enemies of insect pests facilitates choice of control strategies. The objective of the research were to determine diversity species of natural enemies associated with arthropod pest of vegetable crop. A study was carried out on 144 plots located at three localities of Casamance agroecological zone. Predators and entomopathogens were identified from an inventory carried out on the plots. Laboratory monitoring was conducted to determine parasitoids associated with pests. Ecological indexes were calculated to assess diversity of natural enemies. A number of 24 natural enemy species belonging in 10 orders and 13 families were associated with 44 insect species. Knowledge of natural enemies' diversity facilitates implementation of biological control strategies to preserve vegetable crop chain.