Vol. 77 2025

ARTICLES

Diversity and Seasonal Dynamics of Key Insect Pests Associated with Durum Wheat in Two Contrasting Agroecosystems in Northern Algeria

Nesrine Daghefali1,2*, Meamiche Neddaf Hayet3, Hocine Khedam4 , Sabrina Chergui1,5, Yasmina Djitli1,6, Wardia Chikhi2, Lounes Saharaoui2, Hassiba Berrai1,2 & Samia Daoudi Hacini1,2

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*1Laboratory of Integrative Improvement of Plant Production (L-AIPV C2711100), National Higher School of Agronomy (E.N.S.A), El Harrach, 16000 Algiers, Algeria; nesrine.daghefali@edu.ensa.dz
2Department of Agricultural and Forest Zoology, National Higher School of Agronomy (E.N.S.A), El Harrach, 16000 Algiers, Algeria
3Division of Research in Biotechnology and Plant Breeding, National Institute of Agronomic Research of Algeria (I.N.R.A.A.),
El Harrach, Algiers, Algeria
4Department of Agronomy, Faculty of Sciences, University M’hamed Bougara of Boumerdes, 35000 Boumerdes, Algeria
5Ziane Achour University of Djelfa, Algeria.
6Department of Natural and Life Sciences, Faculty of Sciences, University of Algiers 1 Benyoucef Benkhedda, Algiers, Algeria

https://doi.org/10.71424/azb77.4.002932

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Abstract

Durum wheat (Triticum durum) is a staple crop in the Mediterranean region, where it faces serious threats from arthropod pests that can significantly reduce yields. This study aimed to assess the diversity and seasonal dynamics of insect pest communities associated with durum wheat under contrasting climatic conditions in northern Algeria. A total of 18 and 20 species were recorded at the semi-arid and sub-humid sites, represented by Bouira and Algiers respectively, with seven dominant and common species identified at both sites: Aeolothrips fasciatus, Limothrips cerealium, Haplothrips tritici, Melanthrips pallidior (Thysanoptera), Hydrellia griseola, Liriomyza trifolii (Diptera), and Rhopalosiphum padi (Hemiptera). Insect populations were present throughout the wheat growth cycle, with abundance peaks occurring in February at Algiers and in May at Bouira. A general decrease in insect numbers was observed with rising temperatures, although this trend varied among species. The findings enhance current understanding of pest assemblages in North African cereal systems and support the development of regionally adapted and ecologically sound monitoring and pest management strategies.

Key words

Triticum durum, insect communities, abundance, sub-humid and semi-arid zones, Mediterranean region

How to Cite
Daghefali N., Meamiche Neddaf H., Khedam H., Chergui S., Djitli Y., Chikhi W., Saharaoui L., Berrai H. & Daoudi Hacini S. 2025. Diversity and Seasonal Dynamics of Key Insect Pests Associated with Durum Wheat in Two Contrasting Agroecosystems in Northern Algeria. Acta zoologica bulgarica 77 (4): 443-456.

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