Diversity of cereal pests (wheat and barley) grown in arid climate in Ziban region (provence of Biskra- southeastern Algeria)

This study investigated cereal pests (wheat and barley) grown in southeastern Algeria's arid climate. Using three sampling techniques (yellow pan traps and Pitfall traps, a comprehensive collection of insect specimens was obtained, comprising 2526 individuals taxonomically classified into 20 distinct species, 15 genera, ten families, and six orders. Homoptera and according to quantitative analysis, Thysanoptera was the most dominant taxa, with six and four occurrences, respectively. In contrast, the dominant species were Mayetiola destructor (Say 1817) (Diptera, Cecidomyiidae) with 412 specimens, Rhopalosiphum maidis (Fitch 1856) (Homoptera, Aphididae) with 404 specimens then Oulema melanopa (Linné 1758) (Coleoptera, Chrysomelidae) with 342 specimens. The observed and expected species richness diversity parameters were comparatively more significant in the cereal ecosystem cultivated in the El Outaya location than in the Sidi Okba location. (Kruskal–Wallis, df = 3, P = 0.019). The results obtained from the Generalised Linear Models (GLM) indicated a statistically significant variation in species richness across the different sites and crops (wheat and barley) (df = 3, Mean Square = 47.70, F = 3.58, P = 0.020).While there were very significant differences in the average number of individuals per species (N/S ratio) (df = 3, mean square = 22.08, F = 5.526, P = 0.002). Species richness extrapolation revealed that diversity is anticipated as the number of individuals captured increases, however, at a slower rate as the sampled population increases. The species distribution showed that some insect species are found at all phenological stages and all sampling sites.