A. Khalifa, A., S.M., B. (2024). Suitability of Egyptian Clover and Alfalfa as Safe Habitats Tonatural Enemies in The Egyptian Agrosystem. Journal of the Advances in Agricultural Researches, 29(1), 72-84. doi: 10.21608/jalexu.2024.272983.1191
Amany A. Khalifa; Badawy A. S.M.. "Suitability of Egyptian Clover and Alfalfa as Safe Habitats Tonatural Enemies in The Egyptian Agrosystem". Journal of the Advances in Agricultural Researches, 29, 1, 2024, 72-84. doi: 10.21608/jalexu.2024.272983.1191
A. Khalifa, A., S.M., B. (2024). 'Suitability of Egyptian Clover and Alfalfa as Safe Habitats Tonatural Enemies in The Egyptian Agrosystem', Journal of the Advances in Agricultural Researches, 29(1), pp. 72-84. doi: 10.21608/jalexu.2024.272983.1191
A. Khalifa, A., S.M., B. Suitability of Egyptian Clover and Alfalfa as Safe Habitats Tonatural Enemies in The Egyptian Agrosystem. Journal of the Advances in Agricultural Researches, 2024; 29(1): 72-84. doi: 10.21608/jalexu.2024.272983.1191
Suitability of Egyptian Clover and Alfalfa as Safe Habitats Tonatural Enemies in The Egyptian Agrosystem
1Department of Biological Control Research, Plant Protection Research Institute, Agricultural Research Center, Egypt-
2Forage Crops ResearchDepartment, Field Crops Research Institute, ARC,Giza, Egypt
Abstract
In Egypt, clover is the main forage crop, particularly in winter. It plays a vital role in the sustainability of agricultural ecosystem, as it enriches the soil by fixation of atmospheric nitrogen. Clover is an environmentally friendly crop because no pesticides are used. The present study was carried out at the experiment farm of Sakha Agricultural Research Sation during 2020/2021 and 2021/ 2022 seasons from November to June to survey arthropods using the seep net at Egyptian clover, Trifolium alexandrium and alfalfa, Medicago sativa fields. The relative abundances of nine insect pest species were monitored. The specific insect pest of clover, Hypera brunnipennis (Boheman) was collected in small portions (5.16 and 4.83% out of total collected insect pests) from Egyptian clover and alfalfa plots, respectively. Sitona lividipes exhibited the highest relative abundance with values of 57.15 and 30.92% on Egyptian clover and alfalfa, respectively. On the other hand, 17 insect predator species were collected. Orius spp. were the most occurring predators, with relative abundances of 24.64 and 25.96%, and coccinellids exhibited considerable portions with values of 45.07 and 53.51% out of total collected predators on both crops, respectively. Parasitism of Hypera brunnipennis eggs by Anaphes fusceipennis was monitoredfrom March 23rd till the end of the season, and was assessed as 21.72 and 17.92% in the first and second seasons, respectively.
Clover, Trifolium alexandrinum L. is a crucial fodder crop belonging to Leguminosae, and suitable to be grown at moderate and semi - arid climates of Mediterranean areas. Clover is very popular among dairy people, particularly it is a high nutritional crop, with a surplus of yield throughout its growth stages.
Unfortunately, this important fodder crops are liable to attacks of several insect pests. AbdelFattahand EL-Saadany (1978) surveyed 64 arthropod
species, from clover fields, that were classified into Diptera (36%), Hymenoptera (27%), Coleoptera (18%) and Hemiptera (8%), as well as some other orders.Tawfik et al (1980) collected, from clover fields, 93 arthropod species, belonging to 5o families and seven orders. Wagan et al (2015) surveyed aphids, lead miners, thrips, whitefly and cutworms, as harmful insects inhabiting this crop. Spodoptera littorahis, S. exigua and Aphis gossypii were surveyed from clover fields as harmful insect pests, while Coccinella undecimpunctata, Apis mellifera and Vespa orientahis were categorized as beneficial insects (Mohammad and Hafez 2023, at Kafr El- Sheikh region). Boraei et al (1993) surveyed the insect pests inhabiting clover fields, and indicated that one of important damaging insects is Hypera brunnipennis (Boheman). The latter insect pest was found present in clover fields allover the season, beginning from December up to May (Rakha 2008, and Awadalla et al 2014). H. brunnipennis was considered, by El- Husseini (2019), as a damaging insect pest to both Egyptian clover and alfalfa.
Because clover fields are rarely treated with pesticides, this gives a good opportunity to flourishing of natural enemies. On the other hand, the intensive growth of Egyptian clover and alfalfa serves as a good shelter to the natural enemies complex to manage the harmful insects particularly that both crops are used as fodder to animals.
The objectives of this investigation were to compare between clover and alfalfa as habitats for insect pests and as shelters for natural enemies. In addition, correlation coefficients were computed to find out the relationship between populations of some natural enemies and insect pests.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
Cultural Practices
The present work was carried out at the experimental farm of Forage Research Department, Sakha Agricultural Research Station, for two successive seasons; 2020/2021 and 2021/2022. The Egyptian clover, Trifolium alexandrinumL.(Helaly cultivar) and alfalfa, Medicago sativa L. .(Nubaria 1 cultivar) were sown in areas of 2000 and 200 m², respectively. Both crops were sown in the last week of October in both seasons.
Normal cultural practices, as recommended by Egypt's Ministry of Agriculture, were followed throughout the season, without any pesticide applications.
2. Insect Sampling
About one month after sowing, weekly insect samples were collected using 50 double strokes by the sweep net. The catch was introduced into 2- liter glass jars, and transferred to the laboratory for sorting and counting. Specimens of collected insects were sent to Survey and Classification Department, and Biological Control Department, Plant Protection Research Institute, Agricultural Research Center, Dokki,Cairo for identification.
3. Meteorological Records
Records of meteorological factors were obtained from Sakha Meteorological Research Station to find out the effect of these factors on the populations of theconsidered insects.
4. Parasitism of Hypera brunnipennis
Parasitism of Hypera brunnipennis eggs was monitored through a lab- field experiment. Plastic pots, 30 cm diameter, and 30 cm depth filled with proper soil were confined in screen cages (45x45x60 cm). Egyptian clover plants, at the vegetative stage (bout 45 cm height), were pulled out from clover fields, and transplanted into the pots. Using the sweep net, adults of H. brunnipennis were collected from clover fields and released inside the cages onto clover plants, where H. brunnipennis adults lay their eggs. The following day, the pots were taken out from the cages and moved to the field and fixed among the clover plants to allow parasitoids lay their eggs (if any on H. brunnipennis eggs). Twenty-four hours later, clover plants, in the pots, were
examined, and the H. brunnipennis eggs were collected and incubated at the room temperature. These procedures were weekly practiced, beginning from December 1st up to May 4th in both seasons; 2020/2021 and 2021/2022. The incubated eggs were monitored to record the number of emerging parasitoids, or H. brunnipennis hatching larvae. Thus, the parasitism percentage was calculated.
RESUTS AND DISCUSSION
Insect Pest Species
The relative abundances of nine insect pest species are presented in Table (1) on Egyptian clover, Trifolium alexandrinum L. versus alfalfa, Medicago sativa L. in 2020/2021 and 12021/2022 seasons. As averages of both seasons, Sitona lividipes and leafhoppers exhibited the highest relative abundance on Egyptian clover, with values of 57.15 and 19.14%, and on alfalfa with values of 30.92 and 34.65%, respectively. Aphids occupied the third rank of occurrence (12.40%) on Egyptian clover, but constituted a higher portion (25.25%) on alfalfa. The remaining five insect pest species were found in low relative abundance. However, the specific insect pest of clover, Hypera brunnipennis was collected in small portions; 5.16 and 4.83% on Egyptian clover and on alfalfa, respectively.
2.Insect Predator Species
Seventeen insect predator species were collected from each of Egyptian clover and alfalfa fields (Table 2). Orius spp were the most occurring in Egyptian clover and alfalfa fields, with relative abundances of
24.64 and 25.96%, respectively. Also, Coccinella undecimpunctata constituted considerable portions on both crops with values of 8.93 and 12.63%, respectively. Despite Oxytelus nitidulus was represented by 12.33% out of total catch of Egyptian clover, it represented only 2.80% in case of alfalfa. The situation was found reversed with Hippodamia convergens, H. tredecimpunctate and H. variegata which constituted only 3.20, 1.58 and 1.42% out of total predator populations in Egyptian clover compared to 13.20, 9.64 and 9.23% in alfalfa, respectively. In addition, Paederus alfierii was represented by 5.52 and 7.19% in Egyptian clover and alfalfa, respectively.
Parasition of Hypera brunnipennis eggs by Anaphes fusceipennis
Eggs of H. brunnipennis were almost free from parasitoids (Table 3) from December 1st up to January 26th, the parasitoid activity gradually increased to exhibit the first peak (33.33%) on February 16th, and then relatively decreased, but later, the parasitoid demonstrated the highest peak (38.24%) on March 16th. Then, the parasitism decreased and was completely absent from April 20th till the end of the season.
Table (1): Relative abundance of insect pests attacking Egyptian clover and alfalfa at the experimental farm of Sakha Agricultural Research Station
insect pest
Stage
Total numbers of insect pests/1500 double strokes
Egyptian clover
Alfala
2020-2021
2021-2022
Overallaverage
2020-2021
2021-2022
Overall average
NO
%
NO
%
NO
%
NO
%
Hypera brunnipennis
A
238
6.12
128
4.19
5.16
112
3.45
134
6.21
4.83
Sitona lividepis
A
2244
57.75
1728
56.54
57.15
1195
36.85
539
24.99
30.92
Nezara viridula
A, N
92
2.37
222
7.26
4.82
124
3.82
36
1.67
2.75
Aphids
A, N
498
12.81
366
11.98
12.4
892
27.51
496
22.99
25.25
Leafhoppers
A, N
768
19.76
566
18.52
19.14
912
28.12
888
41.17
34.65
Autographa spp
L
26
0.67
16
0.52
0.6
0.00
0.00
24
1.11
0.056
Spodoptera exigua
L
2
0.05
0.00
0.00
0.03
6
0.19
0.00
0.00
0.1
Spodoptera littoralis
L
6
0.15
12
0.39
0.27
0.00
0.00
2
0.09
0.05
Eupropocnemis plorans
A, N
12
0.31
18
0.59
0.45
2
0.06
38
1.76
0.91
Total
3886
0.00
3056
0.00
0.00
3243
0.00
2157
0.00
0.00
Table (2): Relative abundance of insect predators associated with insect pests in Egyptian clover and alfalfa at the experimental farm of Sakha Agricultural Research Station
insect predatory species
Stage
Total numbers of insect pests/1500 double trokes
Egyptian clover
Alfala
2020-2021
2021-2022
Overall average
2020-2021
2021-2022
Overall average
NO
%
NO
%
NO
%
NO
%
Coccinellanovemmtata
A
4
0.37
12
2.69
1.63
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
C.septempunctata
A
8
0.74
136
30.49
15.62
0.00
0.00
30
8.29
4.15
C.undecimpunctata
A
188
17.41
2
0.45
8.93
146
25.26
0.00
0.00
12.63
Cydonia vicina isis
A
2
0.19
0.00
0.00
0.1
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
Hippodomia convergens
A
40
3.7
12
2.69
3.2
60
10.38
58
16.02
13.2
Hippodomiatredecimpunctata
A
34
3.15
0.00
0.00
1.58
22
3.81
56
15.47
9.64
Hippodomia variegata
A
16
1.48
6
1.35
1.42
30
5.19
48
13.26
9.23
Rhizobius lihura
A
6
0.56
0.00
0.00
0.28
22
3.86
8
2.21
3.04
Scymnus interruptus
A
20
1.85
30
6.73
4.29
0.00
0.00
4
1.1
0.55
Scymnus syriacus
A
10
0.93
42
9.42
5.18
0.00
0.00
4
1.1
0.55
Scymnus ailvifroms
A
2
0.19
8
1.79
0.99
6
1.04
0.00
0.00
0.52
Scymnus spp
A
6
0.56
14
3.14
1.85
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
Oxytelus nitidulus
A
150
13.89
48
10.76
12.33
10
1.73
14
3.87
2.8
Paederusalfierii
A
32
2.96
36
8.07
5.52
32
5.54
32
8.84
7.19
Orius spp
A, N
508
47.03
100
2.24
24.64
134
23.18
104
28.73
25.96
Chrysoperla carnea
L
40
3.7
0.00
0.00
1.85
108
18.69
4
1.1
99
Ischnura senegalenis
A
14
1.3
0.00
0.00
0.65
8
1.38
0.00
0.00
0.69
total
1080
446
578
362
Table (3): Parasitism of eggs of Hypera brunnipennis inhabiting Egyptian clover fields by Anaphes fuscipienis at the experimental farm of Sakha Agricultural Research Station
Date
2020-2021
2021-2022
Eggs
parasitoid
%
Eggs
parasitoid
%
Dec.1
0
0
0.00
0
0
0.0
8
0
0
0.00
8
1
12.50
15
0
0
0.00
6
1
16.67
22
8
1
12.50
10
2
20.00
29
8
1
12.50
28
4
14.29
Jan.5
0
0
0.00
40
9
22.50
12
0
0
0.00
8
1
12.50
19
0
0
0.00
0
0
0.00
26
8
0
0.00
0
0
0.00
Feb.2
18
3
16.67
0
0
0.00
9
26
5
19.23
16
4
25.00
16
36
12
33.33
40
11
27.50
23
28
6
21.43
6
1
16.67
Mar.2
38
7
18.42
12
2
16.67
9
20
4
20.00
6
1
16.67
16
68
26
38.24
18
1
5.56
23
44
12
27.27
6
0
0.00
30
16
2
12.50
8
0
0.00
Apr.6
18
3
16.67
0
0
0.00
13
48
4
8.33
0
0
0.00
20
12
0
0.00
0
0
0.00
27
0
0
0.00
0
0
0.00
May.4
0
0
0.00
0
0
0.00
Total
396
86
21.72
212
38
17.92
The parasitism status of H. brunnipennis eggs in 2021/ 2022 season (Table 3) was different from that of the first season. The parasitoid was active throughout December up to January 12th, with a parasitism ranging between
12.50 and 22.50%. Specimens of host eggs were free from parasitism from January 19th up to February and then, the parasitoid recovered its activity, beginning from February 9th (25.00%parasitism), and recorded the highest peak (27.50%) on February 16th. Then, the parasitism gradually decreased to reach minimum (5.56%) on March 16th. However, the monitoring revealed the absence of the parasitoid from March 23rd. till the end of the season, on May 4th. Seasonal averages of parasitism were 21.72 and 17.92% in the first and second seasons, respectively.
4.Population fluctuations of dominant insect pests and associated predators in 2020/2021 season
4.1. Insect pests
Hypera brunnipennis had three peaks (Table 4) of insect adults with 32, 76 and 38 individuals/100 double strokes at Egyptian clover fields on January 18th, March 18th and on April 17th, respectively. Only one peak of 72 adults was attained in alfafa fieldl on March 18th. Total insect populations were 238 and112 adults/1500 double strokes in Egyptian clover and alfalfa, respectively.
Sitona lividipes adults were attained in two peaks of 480 and 644 adults/100 double strokes on March 18th and April 17th, respectively, with a total count of 2244 adults/1600 double strokes throughout the season compared to 1195 adults in case of alfalfa.
Nezara viridula nymphs and adults were collected in few numbers throughout the season from both crops. However, the insect population was notably found during May and June, with totals of 92 and 124 nymphs and adults/1500 double strokes throughout the season on Egyptian clover and alfalfa, respectively.
Aphid nymphs and adults were more captured by the sweep net, from Egyptian clover on February 3rd and 18th, and on April 2nd and 17th. The same trend was found in alfalfa fields. Total seasonal counts revealed that alfalfa harbored more aphids than had Egyptian clover; with 892 and 498 nymphs and adults/1500 double strokes, respectively.
Leafhopper nymphs and adults mainly occurred on Egyptian clover on April 2nd and 17th and on June 2nd with densities of 202, 184 and 232 Individuals/100 double strokes, respectively. On alfalfa, the major insect densities were captured on April 2nd, May 3rd and 18th and June 2nd, with 106, 150, 292 and 130 nymphs and adults, respectively. Total seasonal counts were 768 individuals on Egyptian clover compared to 912 individuals on alfalfa/1500 strokes, respectively (Table 4).
Table (4): Biweekly numbers of the major insect pests and associated predators on Egyptian clover and alfalfa at Sakha Agricultural Research Station, during 2020/2021 season
No. of insect pests and associated predators /100 double strokes
Inseption date
Egyptian clover
Alfalfa
Hypera brunneipennis
Sitona lividipes
Nezara viridula
Aphids
Leafhoppers
Coccinellids
Staphylinds
Chrysoperlacarnea
Orius spp
Hypera brunneipennis
Sitona lividipes
Nezara viridula
Aphids
Leafhoppers
Coccinellids
Staphylinds
Chrysoperla carnea
Orius spp
stage
A
A
A. N
A. N
A. N
L
L
L
A.N
A
A
A. N
A. N
A. N
L
L
L
A. N
Nov.24
0
88
0
0
20
2
0
0
0
0
18
0
2
6
0
4
0
0
Dec.8 22
0
140
0
0
14
0
2
2
0
0
136
6
10
20
0
0
0
4
4
116
0
0
12
0
4
2
0
2
544
10
0
40
0
6
Jan. 5 20
0
26
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
64
0
0
2
0
0
0
0
2
56
0
4
0
0
0
0
0
0
32
0
8
2
0
0
0
0
Feb.3 18
22
94
0
26
8
0
38
0
0
0
42
0
48
8
0
2
2
0
32
10
0
36
10
0
0
0
0
0
14
2
124
0
2
0
0
0
Ma318
26
80
0
8
24
4
14
0
0
8
10
0
20
42
0
16
0
0
76
480
0
0
4
2
10
2
0
72
134
0
0
56
98
6
6
6
Apr.217
18
100
0
150
202
0
38
4
8
8
5
0
30
106
0
4
2
0
38
644
0
274
184
16
50
14
22
10
34
4
404
34
2
10
54
2
May.318
18
310
12
0
28
146
28
6
12
4
58
8
216
150
24
0
26
0
2
66
54
0
0
84
4
0
8
2
74
24
0
292
96
0
4
32
Jun.2 13
0
30
6
0
232
72
0
10
158
6
30
22
0
130
54
0
8
60
0
4
20
0
30
18
0
0
300
0
0
48
0
24
12
0
0
30
Total
238
2244
92
498
768
342
188
40
490
112
1195
124
892
912
286
48
108
130
4.2. Insect Predators
Coccinellid larvae occurred intensively on both crops during the period from May 3rd up to June 2nd, with total populations, throughout the season, of
342 and 286 larvae/1500 double strokes on Egyptian clover and alfalfa, respectively.
Staphylinid larvae were collected in relatively high numbers, from Egyptian clover as well as from alfalfa during March, April and May. Total seasonal counts were higher (188 larvae /1500 double strokes) on Egyptian clover than on alfalfa (48 larvae) (Table4).
Chrysoperla cranea larvae were rarely collected throughout the season on both crops. The densities were relatively high on Egyptian clover by mid-April and early Jane; 14 and 10 larvae/100 double strokes, respectively. On alfalfa, high numbers were found on April 17th and on May 3rd, with densities of 54 and 26 larvae /100 double strokes, respectively. Thus, this chrysopid was more collected from alfalfa than from Egyptian clover.
Orius spp nymphs and adults were captured from Egyptian clover by the sweep net mainly on June 2nd (158) and on June 13th (300), compared to 60 and 30 nymphs and adults/100 double strokes from alfalfa fields. Total counts were 490 and 130 nymphs and adults/1500 double strokes, from Egyptian clover and alfalfa, respectively.
5.Population fluctuations of dominant insect pests and associated predators in 2020/2021 season
5.1. Insect pests
Hypera brunnipennis adults
Adults of H. brunnipennis appeared in Egyptian clover fields in three peaks; 24, 18 and 12 individuals/100 double strokes on January 5th, February 18th and on May 3rd, respectively with a total number of 128 adults/1500 double strokes, throughout the season. In alfalfa fields, two peaks were attained; with 26 and 18 adults /100 double strokes on January 20th and April 2nd, with a total of 134 adults/1500 double strokes throughout the season.
Table (5): Biweekly numbers of the major insect pests and associated predators on Egyptian clover and alfalfa on at kafr El-Sheikh Region, during 2021/2022 season
No. of insect pests and associated predators /100 double strocks
Investigation date
Egyptian clover
Alfalfa clover
Hypera brunneipennis
Sitona lividipes
Nezara viridula
Aphids
Leafhoppers
Coccinellids
Staphylinds
Chrysoperla carnea
Oriusspp
Hypera brunneipennis
Sitona lividipes
Nezara viridula
Aphids
Leafhoppers
Coccinellids
Staphylinds
Chrysoperla carnea
Oriusspp
stage
A
A
A.
N
A.
N
A.
N
L
L
L
A. N
A
A
A.
N
A.
N
A.
N
L
L
L
A. N
Nov.24
2
88
0
0
2
0
0
0
0
0
20
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
Dec.8
22
10
480
0
0
0
8
6
0
0
0
34
2
4
6
0
2
0
0
14
348
4
0
12
4
0
0
0
0
82
8
0
40
0
0
0
6
Jan. 5
20
24
110
0
0
6
0
8
0
0
0
10
10
50
0
0
0
0
0
4
28
0
0
4
0
2
0
0
26
41
0
0
56
0
0
0
0
Feb.3
18
4
52
0
0
22
0
6
0
0
24
42
0
0
472
8
4
0
0
18
66
0
4
10
0
0
0
0
22
10
0
30
40
0
10
0
0
Mar.318
12
78
0
0
110
12
10
0
0
16
68
0
0
14
42
10
0
0
10
68
0
22
12
0
22
0
0
18
54
0
0
20
0
6
0
0
Apr.217
8
50
0
154
104
0
4
2
2
18
46
0
24
44
0
0
0
0
10
130
0
186
264
36
6
0
0
6
42
2
136
24
0
0
0
0
May.318
12
200
0
0
18
114
16
0
0
4
34
4
130
66
18
2
0
0
0
28
36
0
2
40
2
0
0
0
56
8
90
36
22
0
4
18
Jun.2 13
0
2
148
0
0
26
0
0
20
0
20
2
32
62
36
0
0
0
0
0
34
0
0
24
2
0
80
0
3
0
0
44
126
18
0
80
Total
128
1728
222
366
566
262
84
2
102
134
539
36
496
888
252
52
4
106
Sitona lividipes
Adults of S. lividipes were collected from the Egyptian clover fields by the sweepnet in three peaks; 480, 78 and 200 individuals/100 double strokes on December 8rth, March 3rd and May 3rd, respectively. In alfalfa fields, also, three peaks were found with 82, 68 and 56 adults/100 double strokes on December 22nd, March 3rd and May 18th, respectively. The total catch, throughout the season, was too much less (539 adults/1500 strokes) than that of Egyptian clover fields (1728).
Nezara viridula nymphs and adults
In general, the population densities of N. viridula nymphs and adults were quite low throughout 2021/2022 season. In case of Egyptian clover, the insect was only collected late in the season, ranging between 34 and 148 nymphs and adults/100 double strokes, during the period from May 18th to June 13th with a total of 222 individuals/1500 double strokes. In alfalfa fields, very few numbers were collected with 36 nymphs and adults/1500 double strokes throughout the season.
Aphid nymphs and adults
In the Egyptian clover, nymphs and adults of aphids constituted two peaks of occurrence; 154 and 186 individuals/100 double strokes on April 2nd and April17th, respectively. In alfalfa, also, two peaks were attained with 30 and 136 nymphs and adults on February 18th and April 17th, respectively. Over the whole season, 366 and 496 nymphs and adults were collected/ 1500 double strokes from Egyptian clover and alfalfa, respectively.
leafhopper nymphs and adults
In Egyptian clover fields, leafhoppers exhibited two peaks of occurrence with 110 and 264 nymphs and adults/100 double strokes on March 3rd and April 17th, respectively. However, three peaks were recorded in alfalfa fields with 472, 44 and 66 nymphs and adults/100 double strokes on February 3rd, April 2nd and May 3rd, respectively. Total numbers, over the season, were 566 and 888 nymphs and adults/1500 double strokes in the Egyptian clover and alfalfa fields, respectively.
5.2. Insect predators
Coccinella undecimpunctata adults
Adults of C. undecimpunctata were mainly collected from Egyptian clover fields late in the season, by April 17th up to June 13th, ranging between 24 and 114 adults/100 double strokes. This predator appeared in similar numbers in alfalfa fields, with a range of 18-126 adults/100 double strokes. Over the whole period of the season, the predator populations were 262 and 252 adults/1500 double strokes in the Egyptian clover and alfalfa fields, respectively.
Staphylinid larvae
Staphylinid larvae appeared in the Egyptian clover fields with very low numbers exhibiting two small peaks on March 18th and May 3rd with 22 and 16 larvae/100 double strokes, respectively. The corresponding peaks in alfalfa fields were 10 and 18larvae/100 double strokes on March 3rd and January 13th, respectively. The total numbers for the whole season were 84 and 52 larvae/ 1500 double strokes in clover and alfalfa fields, respectively.
Chrysoperla carnea larvae
This predator was rarely detected with only two and four larvae, from clover and alfalfa, respectively for the whole experimental period.
Orius spp nymphs and adults
This predator was only collected in May from clover fields (102 individuals / 1500 double strokes), compared to 106 individuals/100 double strokes in alfalfa fields, where it exhibited two moderate peaks by mid-May and mid- June.
6. Correlation coefficient values
6.1. In clover fields
Data presented in Table (6) show that numbers of H. brunnipennisadults correlated insignificantly with each of coccinellids and Orius spp in both seasons of study. The same result was found between numbers of aphids and the two abovementioned predators. Sitona lividipes adults exhibited significant correlations with each of staphylinids and Chrysoperla carnes in the first season (2020/2021), and the same result was calculated between both predators and numbers of
aphids. In the second season (2021 /2022), nymphs and adults of leafhoppers correlated insignificantly with each of coccinellids and Orius spp.
6.2. In alfalfa fields.
Hypera brunnipennis correlated signicantly with staphylinid population in (2020/2021) season, but correlations between S. lividipes and all considered predators were not significant, with positive values, except staphylinids in 2021/2022 season. Aphids had highly significant positive correlation with Chrysoperla carnea in the first season. As for leafhoppers, the correlations were highly significant positive with coccinellids, and significant positive with Orius spp, both in the first season.
Table (6): Correlations between certain insect pests and associated predators in clover fields, at Sakha Agricultural Research Station.
Insect pest
Year
Predator
Coccinellids
Staphylinids
Chrysuperla carnea
Orius spp
Hypera brunnipennis (adults)
2020/21
2021/22
-0.124
-0.118
0.328
0.322
0.234
0.024
-0.175
-0.317
Sitona lividipes (adults)
2020/21
2021/22
0.117
0.068
0.445*
0.016
0.501**
-0.138
0.191
-0.358
Aphids(nymphs & adults)
2020/21
2021/22
-0.193
-0.083
0.559**
0.269
0.487
0.386
-0.030
-0.093
Leafhoppers(nymphs & adults)
2020/21
2021/22
0.153
-0.043
0.346
0.558**
0.468*
0.065
0.139
-0.212
Table (7): Correlations between certain insect pests and associated predators in alfalfa fields, at Sakha Agricultural Research Station.
Insect pest
Year
Predator
Coccinellids
Staphylinids
Chrysuperla carna
Orius spp
Hypera brunnipennis
2020/21
2021/22
0.214
-0.273
0.406*
0.100
0.162
-0.249
-0.175
0.289
Sitona lividipes
2020/2021
2021/2022
0.137
0. 081
0.079
-0.020
0.102
0.164
0.144
0.260
Aphids
2020/2021
2021/2022
-0.194
0.009
0.058
-0. 240
0.715**
0.133
-0.262
0.040
Leafhoppers
2020/2021
2021/2022
0.654**
0.130
-0.019
0.417*
0.288
0.188
0.422*
0.096
Data in Table (8) show the correlations between weather factors and insect pests and their associated predators in clover fields. In the second season (2021/2022), there were significant positive correlations between maximum temperature and populations of each of H. brunnipennis, coccinellids and Orius spp. Minimum temperature correlated in the second season with significant positive values with coccinellids and Orius spp. However, maximum relative humidity exhibited negative correlations with the majority of insects and predators.
Table (8): Correlations between weather factors and populations of insect pests and their associated predators in clover fields, at Sakha Agricultural Research Station
Insect pest
Year
Weather factor
Temp
max
Temp
min
RH%
max
RH%
min
Hypera brunnipennis
2020/21
2021/22
-0.119
-0.389*
-0.063
-0.348
-0.177
0.194
0.303
0.338
Sitona lividipes
2020/2021
2021/2022
0.258
0. 019
0.275
0.057
-0.408*
-0.180
0.212
0.463
Aphids
2020/2021
2021/2022
0.019
0.053
0.057
0.108
-0.308
-0.097
0.188
-0.247
Leafhoppers
2020/2021
2021/2022
0.418*
0.042
0.397*
0.009
-0.327
-0.069
0.271
-0.205
Coccinellids
2020/2021
2021/2022
0.852**
0.527**
0.859**
0.711**
-0.619** 0.615
0.639**
-0.401*
Staphylinds
2020/2021
2021/2022
0.219
-0.146
0.109
-0.214
-0.318
0.031
0.141
0.014
Chrysoperla carnea
2020/2021
2021/2022
0.486**
-0.167
0.477**
-0.090
-0.608** 0.019
0.529**
-0.028
Orius spp
2020/2021
2021/2022
0.413*
0.534*
0.502**
0.537**
-0.307
-0.098
0.502**
-0.187
7.Comparison between Egyptian clover and alfalfa as hosts for insects and predators
7.1. predators in 2020/2021 season
Data in Table (9) show the difference between Egyptian clover and alfalfa as habitats for some insect pests and their associated predators in 2020/2021 season. Populations of H. brunnipennis, S. lividipes and Nezara viridula were
collected in significant higher values in Egyptian clover than in alfalfa fields. The remaining insect pests and all considered predators did not differ significantly between the two habitats in 2020/2021 season.
Date in Table 10) show that populations of S. lividipes and coccinellids, were significantly higher in clover fields, than in alfalfa ones. The remaining insects and associated predators exhibited no significant differences between the two habitats.
Table (9): Values of "t" test for comparing the population of insects and associated predators between Egyptian clover and alfalfa at Sakha Agricultural Research Station, 20201/ 2021 Season.
Insect pest
Clover
Alfalfa
Mann- Whitney U test
z
sig
Mean rank
Mean rank
Hypera brunnipennis
33.78
25.224
286.5
2.052
0.04*
Sitona lividipes
34.62
24.379
272
2.312
0.021*
Nezara viridula
25.81
33.190
313.5
1.996
0.46*
Aphids
27.10
31.897
351
1.197
0.231
Leafhoppers
25.72
33.276
311
1.72
0.085
Coccinellids
30.55
28.448
390
0.560
0.576
Staphylinds
31.83
27.172
353
1.221
0.222
Orius spp
28.09
30.914
379.5
0.725
0.468
Significant at the 0.05 level
29.55
29.448
419
0.031
0.975
Table (10): Values of "t" test for comparing the population, of insect and associated predators between Egyptian clover and alfalfa, Sakha Agricultural Research Station, 20201/ 2022 Season.
Insect pest
Clover
Alfalfa
Mann- Whitney U test
z
sig
Mean rank
Mean rank
Hypera brunnipennis
30.03
28.970
405
0.249
0.803
Sitona lividipes
33.97
25.030
291
2.017
0.44*
Nezara viridula
28.17
30.030
382
0.732
0.464
Aphids
26.90
32.100
345
1.432
0.152
Leafhoppers
25.60
33.400
307.5
1.778
0.075
Coccinellids
31.12
27.880
373.5
0.838
0.402
Staphylinds
33.19
25.810
313.5
1.968
0.049*
Orius spp
28.48
30.520
391
1.04
0.296
Significant at the 0.05 level
29.48
29.520
420
0.013
0.990
DISCUSSION
In the current study, nine insect pest species were surveyed from both Egyptian clover and alfalfa. Only two species; Hypera brunnipennis and Sitona lividipes could be reported as specific to clover and alfalfa hosts. El. Kifl et al (1974) indicated that Sitona lividipes life cycle was affected by leguminous host plant as well as the soil type. In our study, S. lividipes constituted 57.54 and 30.92% out of the total population of surveyed insect pests from Egyptian clover and alfalfa, respectively. El-Dessouki and Al- Awady (1978) reported only one peak of S. lividipes per year on Egyptian Clover.The insect population in our study was very high in December and early May.
Hypera brunnipennis exhibited, in the current investigation, relatively higher population densities in late March up to early May. El-Mezyyen (2003) encountered two peaks for H. brunnipennis in Egypt (in January and April) and in Libya (in March and May). In a biology study on H. brunnipennis, Awadalla et al (214) concluded that the life cycle of the pest was shorter when reared on clover, but longer when reared on Kidney bean.
In the current investigation, we surveyed, in addition to H. brunnipennis and S. lividipes, Nezara viridula, aphids, leafhoppers, Autographa spp, Spodoptera littoralis, S. exigua and Euprepucnemis plorans. Similar results were obtained by Wagan et al (2015), in China, who recorded aphids, leafminers, thrips, whiteflies and cutworm as insect pests inhabiting Egyptian clover. In the same context, Mabrouk and Mahbob (2017) surveyed 46 arthropod species from clover and faba bean fields, at Dakhla Oasis, classified into 33 families and nine orders. These species included insect pests, natural enemies and pollinators.
Despite H. brunnipennis constituted 4.83-5.16% out of total insect pests recorded in our study, El-Sheikh (2019) indicated that this insect pest was a very important pest at El-Farafra Oasis, New valley.
It is important to understand the role of natural enemies in keeping the natural balance in the agricultural ecosystem (El-Husseini et al 2018). In this investigation, we recorded 17 insect predatory species inhabiting both Egyptian clover and alfalfa fields. Summers et al (1981) found large aestivated aggregations of H. brunnipennis inhabiting the same shelters of the insect predators; Hippodamia Convergens Guerin and Coccinella spp which means
that the insect and its predators share similar needs for this stage of their life cycle. EL Mezayyen et al (2003) found predators similar to those reported herein; Coccinella spp, Chrysoperla carnea, Scymnus spp, Paederus alfierii and Orites spp.
References
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