Seasonal abundance of Phonoctonus lutescens (Guérin Meneville et Percheron, 1887) populations under Ceiba pentandra L Gaertn (1753) and Blighia sapida KD Koenig (1806), host plants of Dysdercus voëlkeri in Burkina Faso.

Abstract

Cotton is a highly valued crop in Burkina Faso. However, the cotton crop is attacked by pests that are present right up to harvest. After harvest, pests and natural enemies migrate under host plants to ensure their development cycle. The aim of this study was to monitor the population dynamics of Phonoctonus lutescens, a predator of Dysdercus voëlkeri, after cotton harvesting under Ceiba pentandra and Blighia sapida. A simple design with 8 seed traps was placed around 20 plants of Ceiba pentandra and 20 plants of Blighia sapida. The experimental unit was a tree whose crown did not exceed 5 m and did not interfere with other crowns in the environment. Four square seed traps measuring 2 m x 2 m were placed under the crown (0-5 m) and compared with 4 control traps outside the crown (5-10 m). The results reveal considerable variability between under- and over-top traps. In addition, a positive correlation between insect numbers, rainfall and temperature was observed.  This suggests the possibility of good management of insects and host plants at the edges of cotton fields.