Diversity of harmful and beneficial insects on Faba bean, Vicia faba L. (Fabales: Fabaceae) crop in Assiut Governorate, Northern Upper Egypt

Abstract

Background Faba bean, Vicia faba is one of the main popular legume crops in the world. Their seeds are the best source of proteins, carbohydrates, minerals and vitamins for human food and animal consumption. For these reasons, improving and increasing the cultivated area of faba beans are essentially needed to achieve self-sufficiency. Therefore, this study is focused on the diversity of harmful and beneficial insects on this crop in Assiut Governorate. Results The Survey of harmful and beneficial insects on faba bean crop registered 44 insect species divided into (21 pests, 4 parasitoids, 11 predators, and 8 pollinators and visitors) belonging to 10 orders and 27 families. The most common pest species were green leafhopper, Empoasca decipiens (42.28%), followed by bean fly, Ophiomyia phaseoli(17.16%); American serpentine leafminer, Liriomyza trifolii (16.45%); sugar beet fly, Pegomya mixta (9.20%); campyloma bug, Campylomma sp. (7.61%); bean seed fly, Delia sp. (3.17%). Besides, 4 native parasitoid species were (Chelonus sp., Opius nitidulator, Dirhinus excavatus,Trichogramma sp.). The most abundant and predominant predators' species during the season were the eleven-spotted ladybird beetles, Coccinella undecimpunctata (44.27%) and Scymnus nubilus (35.5%). While, minute pirate bug, Orius insidiosus (6.51%) and common green Lacewing, Chrysoperla carnea (5.52%) were found in a moderate dominant. Moreover, honeybees, Apis mellifera were the main pollinators of this vital crop that was observed in high numbers through the growing season. Conclusions The diversity of pests and beneficial insects on this vital crop will be essential for developing and improving the control technique of common insects in faba bean fields. This study is providing for the first time detailed information on the insect fauna.