[en] The fall armyworm Spodoptera frugiperda Smith (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) has invaded sub-Saharan African countries where it threatens maize production and several other economically important crops. Given the adverse effects of chemical insecticides on human health, the environment and living organisms, biological control is an alternative to control this pest. In this study, we aimed to identify the natural enemies that control this pest in Burkina Faso.
Surveys were conducted in nearly 50 maize fields in the provinces of Houet and Kadiogo, in order to collect eggs, larvae and arthropod predators of the pest. For predators, some were observed directly in the field and others verified in the laboratory. Natural enemies were identified using identification keys and databases from GBIF and CABI.
About 19 species of natural enemies belonging to the group of parasitoids, entomopathogens and predatory arthropods were identified. Parasitoids included Chelonus bifoveolatus (Szépligeti), Coccygidium luteum (Brullé), Drino sp., and some unidentified species. Entomopathogens included Mermithidae nematodes and an entomopathogenic fungus. Among the predators, Forficulidae [Diaperasticus erythrocephalus (Olivier), Forficula senegalensis (Serville)], Formicidae [Pheidole megacephala (Fabricius) and others], Coccinellidae [Cheilomenes sulphurea (Olivier)], Carabidae (Calleida sp.), Reduviidae (Rhynocoris sp.), Mantidae, Pentatomidae, and some Areneae were encountered. Several natural enemies have expanded their niche by adapting to S. frugiperda as a new host and actions are needed to exploit their potential.
Research center :
Gemloux Agro-Bio Tech, Université de Liège et Université Nazi Boni
