S14 - Session P5 - Diversity of natural enemies associated with potato pests in Senegal

Authors: Pape Diop *, Babacar Labou, Elhadji Serigne Sylla, Etienne Tendeng, Mamadou Diatte, Amadou Balde, Omar Seydi, Serigne Omar Sene, Issa Ale Ndiaye, Karamoko Diarra

Potatoes are one of the most widely consumed horticultural products in the world. It is attacked by a large number of insect pests that limit its production. No recent study has been conducted on the entomofauna associated with potatoes. The objective of this work is to study the diversity of natural enemies associated with potato pests in Senegal. Annual monitoring of six plots was carried out during 4 cropping cycles. Pests and predators were collected and identified. Parasitoids were collected after monitoring the caterpillars in the laboratory. The study identified nine pest species divided into six families. Five species of predators and eight species of parasitoids were identified. This result is a first step in the development of a database that can be used as a guide for decision making for better control of potato pest populations.