Influence of climatic factors and the cultivation system on species diversity and seasonal dynamics of cucurbit flies associated with watermelons at Taïba Ndiaye, in the Niayes region

Résumé fourni par la source

Watermelon cultivation is a major component of horticultural production in Senegal, particularly in the Niayes region, where cucurbit flies are among the most destructive pests, causing severe yield losses. Sustainable management of these pests requires a better understanding of the factors influencing their diversity and population dynamics. This study investigated the effects of climatic factors and cropping systems on the species diversity and seasonal dynamics of cucurbit flies associated with watermelon cultivation in Taïba Ndiaye, located in the Niayes region. Entomological surveys identified three cucurbit fly species associated with watermelon crops. Seasonal monitoring revealed marked fluctuations in fly populations, with the highest abundances recorded between September and October and the lowest during the dry season. Among the climatic variables examined, relative humidity showed the strongest positive relationship with fly abundance. Emergence analyses demonstrated that only one species emerged from the incubated watermelon fruits, confirming its dominance and identifying it as the principal pest of watermelon in the study area. Although the cropping system did not significantly affect adult fly abundance, it influenced the development of immature stages. Overall, the findings indicate that climatic conditions, particularly relative humidity, play a key role in shaping cucurbit fly population dynamics, while the cropping system mainly affects immature development. These results provide valuable information for developing sustainable management strategies for cucurbit flies in watermelon production systems in the Niayes region.

Ce résumé expose les affirmations des auteurs. BNTIC ne l’interprète pas comme une validation indépendante des résultats.