Wildlife Parasitoids of Citrus Pest (Orange and Lemon Tree) in Mostaganem, Algeria ^†

Abstract

Citrus fruits are considered, in Algeria, to be a strategic crop, given their importance in food and human health. They attract a phytophagous fauna, as well, as their natural enemies, which are quite remarkable in ensuring natural regulation. A parasitoid inventory was conducted in three Citrus orchards at the University of Mostaganem’s experimental farm in Mazagran during the years 2018–2019, with a total of thirty Citrus trees studied. The parasitoid insects were identified in the laboratory using a binocular dissection microscope and direct inspection while processing the gathered leaves. This study enabled the identification of a group of distinct parasitoids that grow on harmful insects such as aphids and cochineal insects, and some of which have been found as adults, who belong to different families: Aphelinidae, Trichogrammatidae, Braconidae, Chalcidoidea, and Figitidae, among which we can quote: Encarsia sp., Aphytis sp., Trichogramma sp., Lysiphlebus sp., Bracon sp, Aphidius matricariae, Praon sp, Alloxysta sp, and several other parasitoids are yet to be identified. Natural enemies reflect the natural ecological integrity of ecosystems, and Elekçİoğlu, 2007 have found natural enemies such as Aphytis melinus, Chrysoperla carnea., Conwentzia sp. Chilocorus bipustulatus., Exochomus quadripustulatus., and Adonia variegata. These findings may be sufficient as an effective first step in learning about auxiliary insects, in order to establish proper breeding methods and carry out biological control.