Diversity of Aphids Associated with Field and under Greenhouse Crops (Wheat, Barley and Chili Pepper) across the Dryland Climate in Algeria

The aim of this study was to investigate the diversity of aphids associated with the field and under greenhouse crops in an arid climate in southeastern Algeria (Biskra province). Using yellow basins for the insects sampling, a total of 6683 specimens of aphids were collected and identified into 33 species, five (05) subfamilies: Aphidinae, Pemphiginae, Chaitophorinae, Pterocommatinae, and Greenideinae; and six tribes: Aphidini, Macrosiphin, Pemphigini, Panaphidini, Chaitophorini and Greenideini, and 22 genera. The Macrosiphini tribe is quantitatively most dominant with 20 species (61%) of the inventoried aphid population, followed by the aphidini which groups together 9 species representing 27% of the aphids inventoried. The other tribes are less represented, including one species for each tribe (12% in total). Aphis gossypii was the predominant species 29.67% of the inventoried species, followed by Rhopalosiphum maidis (15.22%) and Rhopalosiphum padi (15.07%). In terms of total wealth (S), there was a strong and positive correlation between the diversity of aphids and crops (R2 = 0.73), and also a significant relationship (df = 15, Pr > F = 0.024). Shannon’s index spatial interpolation indicates a higher diversity on agricultural lands in the study area. Shannon’s diversity and evenness index values were greater in pepper under greenhouse in Dhibia station (H′ = 2.01, E = 0.84) compared to barley and wheat, in El Haouch and Saada, respectively (H′ = 1.18, E = 0.30 and H’ = 1.45, E = 0.21).