Insect diversity in the drumstick tree Moringa oleifera (Lam)‎, (Moringaceae)‎ fields

Abstract EN

The incidence and faunistic composition of insect pests and associated predators on the drumstick tree (Moringa oleifera (Lam) were studied during 2013 ⁄ 2014 and 2014 ⁄ 2015 in Sekem Company farm in Belbeis, Sharkia Governorate, Egypt.

Sampling was done using conventional methods that include direct counts, Sweeping net and yellow sticky traps.

Collections were inspected weekly during the spring, summer and winter.

Data obtained cleared that 32 species belonging to 30 genera, 22 families and 9 orders were associated with Moringa oleifera (Lam).

The insect pests were more dominant than the predators.

The most dominant pests were piercing sucking insects (Empoasca desipienus (Paoli), Colocoris sp., Thrips tabaci (Lind.), Aphis craccivora Koch and Nysius ericae).

The most dominant predators were Hemianax ephippiger Selys, Coccinella undecimpunctata L, Ischnura senegalensis Ramb and Metasyrphus corollae (Fabri).