Dynamics of Reduviidae Species, Predators of Podagrica decolorata, in West of Côte d'Ivoire

Yao N'guessan, Soro Senan and Obodji Adagba

Background and Objective: Okra is an important vegetable crop in Côte d'Ivoire. In the okra crop, there are species of Reduviidae that are predators of insect pests. These Reduviidae occupy a very important place in biological control because of their biocontrol potential. The objective of the study was to investigate the dynamics of the Reduviidae species, predators of Podagrica decolorata. Materials and Methods: This study was conducted during the dry and rainy seasons of 2019 in the city of man located in the west of Côte d'Ivoire. Colour traps and mowing nets were used to capture the different species of Reduviidae to determine the influence of abiotic factors and the populations of the species Podagrica decolorata on the dynamics of Reduviidae species. Results: A study on the frequency of occurrence revealed two constant species which are Rhynocoris rapax and Rhynocoris albopilosus with frequencies of occurrence of 63.46 and 75%, respectively. In dry and rainy seasons, Rhynocoris albopilosus was higher numbers at each phenological stage. The study revealed the influence of abiotic factors (temperature, rainfall and humidity) on the population of Reduviidae species. The study also showed highly significant positive correlations between the population of Reduviidae and that of the pest, P. decolorata in the dry season (r = +0.76 and p<0.001) and in the rainy season (r = +0.47 and p<0.001). Conclusion: The study revealed a total of six Reduviidae species whose numbers varied during the two seasons as potential predators of Podagrica decolorata.

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