Inventory of Entomofauna in Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) Fields in the Central Plateau Agroecological Zone of Burkina Faso

R. Romba, S.F. Drabo, A. Sankara, M.M. Koanda, Z.A. Dao and O. Gnankine

Background and Objective: Tomato production plays a crucial role in ensuring food security for the population of Burkina Faso. However, it was conducted under conditions of high pesticide use and significant pressure from insect pests. This study aimed to inventory insect species using yellow sticky traps in tomato crops, from the nursery stage to field cultivation, in the Central Plateau Region of Burkina Faso. Materials and Methods: Insects were sampled weekly using yellow pan traps and yellow glue traps in tomato plots belonging to the Sakata and Cobra F1 cultivars. All collected insects were counted and identified in the laboratory. The frequency and abundance were calculated for each site and then tested globally using ANOVA and Tukey’s pairwise mean comparison tests. Shannon’s diversity (specific richness) (H') and equity indices (E) were calculated based on the diversity of insect families collected on tomatoes. A total of 1,163 insects were captured in the field plots, representing 24 species across 20 families and 7 orders. In the nurseries, 129 insects were collected, comprising 21 species from 17 families and 5 orders. Results: The main pest orders identified were Lepidoptera, Homoptera, Hemiptera and Hymenoptera. Natural enemies, particularly Coleoptera and Hymenoptera, were also collected, although in low abundance. A decrease in pest abundance was followed by an increase in the population dynamics of beneficial insects. Conclusion: The results of this study constitute an up-to-date database on insect pests and beneficial insects affecting tomatoes in Burkina Faso, suggesting promising prospects for biological pest control.

View Fulltext Back