S14 - Session P1- Effect of Push-pull technology on natural enemies of the maize armyworm in Senegal

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

The armyworm is a maize pest recently reported in Africa. Its great capacity of migration allows it to colonize various environments. Chemical control, often used against this pest is ineffective and pollutes the environment. The objective of this study is to evaluate the effects of Push-pull technology on the natural enemies of armyworm in maize crops. The trial was conducted in the groundnut basin of Senegal on two 900 m2 plots. The Push-pull plot combined maize with Desmodium intertum (Mill) as an intercrop and Brachiaria cv mulato on the contour. Weekly sampling of pests and predators on fifty corn plants is done randomly in each plot. The collected larvas are followed in the laboratory until the emergence of parasitoids or adults of S. frugiperda . The Push-pull plot had the highest entomological biodiversity. The pest S. frugiperda , in spite of its strong outbreak, was totally controlled by natural enemies in the Push-pull plots.