Survey and Population Fluctuations of Arthropod Pests and Natural Enemies in Okra Plantations at Kafr El-Sheikh Governorate

Abstract

Survey and population fluctuations of arthropod pests and natural enemiesassociated with okra, Abelmoschus esculentus L. were conducted during 2015 and 2016 seasons at El-Riad district, Kafr El-Sheikh Governorate. The investigation revealed the presence of 23 arthropod species belonging to 17 families and 8 orders. Spiders were the most dominant predators and the population densities of spiders peaked in June, July, August, September and October. The survey of spiders on okra, achieved by pitfall traps and hand catch, revealed the occurrence of 12 families; Araneidae, Clubionidae, Dyctinidae, Dysderidae, Eutichuridae, Gnaphosidae, Linyphiidae, Lycosidae, Philodromidae, Salticidae, Tetragnathidae, and Theridiidae, with lycosids being the the most abundant. The following ranks were occupied by Araneidae and Philodromidae. The remaining families were slightly represented; Dysderidae, Clubionidae and Eutichuridae. The spider population was greatest collected by pitfall traps, and then, hand catch. Fifteen parasitoid species were detected, as belonging to 13 families using pitfall traps. Water pan traps captured 25 parasitoid species, belonging to 13 families, with Trichopria spp. being the most abundant parasitoid.