Journal Algérien des Régions Arides
Volume 18, Numéro 2, Pages 7-15
2025-07-01
Preliminary Monitoring Of Arthropod Orders In Potato Agroecosystems Of Biskra, Algeria
Authors : Bettiche Farida . Tahar Chaouche Souad . Mancer Halima . Menasria Hanane . Chaib Warda . Salemkour Nora . Rouahna Houria . Rechachi Miled Zohra . Debabeche Kaouther . Bengouga Khalila . Bakroune Nourelhouda .
Abstract
Potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) cultivation is expanding in arid regions of Algeria, yet little is known about the associated arthropod communities. This study, part of a CRSTRA-DGRSDT-funded project entitled “Improving Soil Quality in Arid Regions Through the Application of Organic Amendments,” focuses on characterizing insect diversity in potato fields under arid conditions. Two experimental sites: El Hadjeb and El Outaya, in the Biskra region were selected to monitor insect activity during the 2024 growing season. This dual-site monitoring represents the first such effort in Biskra, a region where open-field potato farming remains limited despite its proximity to El Oued, Algeria’s leading production area.The main objective was to document the composition and abundance of arthropod orders, both pest and beneficial, associated with potato crops. Two types of traps: yellow pan traps and Barber pitfall traps were installed at both sites and monitored weekly from early May to mid-June, covering the tuber bulking and maturation phases. Preliminary results showed significant differences in arthropod composition between trap types, sampling dates, and sites. Hymenoptera were the most abundant overall, especially in Barber traps, while Diptera and Lepidoptera were more common in yellow traps. Coleoptera appeared consistently across traps and dates. El Outaya exhibited greater insect activity in June. These findings provide important baseline data for future identification and ecological assessment of insect species in arid potato systems. The ongoing taxonomic identification will help differentiate pests from beneficial insects such as pollinators and parasitoids. This study underscores the importance of biodiversity monitoring in supporting sustainable potato production and integrated pest management strategies in newly developing agricultural zones within Algeria’s arid regions.
Keywords
Potato agroecosystems ; Arthropod diversity ; Insect monitoring ; Arid regions ; Integrated pest management ; Ziban
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