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VOL. 11, ISSUE 1 (2026)
Structure and spatial–phenological dynamics of maize (Zea mays l.) pests and their natural enemies across five agroecological zones in Senegal
Authors
Mame Diarra Kane, Adiouma Georges Robert Jacques Sarr, Toffène Diome, Sokhna Toure, Mbacké Sembene
Abstract
This study assesses the abundance and composition of maize pest and
natural enemy communities across five agroecological zones in Senegal,
representing major production areas and a range of climatic and agronomic
conditions. A standardized entomological survey was conducted using the
diagonal sampling method to compare the distribution of pests and beneficial
insects across agroecological zones and maize phenological stages. The study
areas included the Senegal River Valley (SRV), Lower and Middle Casamance
(LMC), Upper Casamance and Eastern Senegal (UCES), the Southern Groundnut Basin
(SGB), and the Northern Groundnut Basin (NGB). Two ecological parameters were
analyzed: abundance and distribution. Of the 2,766 specimens collected,
Heteroptera, Coleoptera, and Lepidoptera were the most abundant
orders across all zones. The SRV, NGB, SGB, and UCES zones exhibit high pest
pressure; the LMC zone supports a greater number of beneficial insects.
Phenological variations showed dominance of Coleoptera, Lepidoptera,
and Homoptera during the vegetative stage, whereas Heteroptera and Homoptera
become more prevalent during the flowering, along with Nematoda and Dermaptera,
which may act as regulators of Lepidoptera populations. These results
indicate that maize insect communities’ structure is strongly influenced by
agroecological zone, crop phenology, and interactions between pests and
beneficial insects. They highlight the importance of integrating beneficial
insects into integrated pest management and agroecological practices to enhance
ecosystem balance, reduce pesticide use, and promote sustainable maize
production systems.
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Pages:61-71
How to cite this article:
Mame Diarra Kane, Adiouma Georges Robert Jacques Sarr, Toffène Diome, Sokhna Toure, Mbacké Sembene "Structure and spatial–phenological dynamics of maize (<i>Zea mays</i> l.) pests and their natural enemies across five agroecological zones in Senegal". International Journal of Zoology Studies, Vol 11, Issue 1, 2026, Pages 61-71
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