Diversity of hymenopteran families associated to quinoa crop in Algeria (case of Biskra province)

Abstract

The quinoa (Chenopodium quinoaWilld.) crop is originated from Andean region (South America). Its nutritional values as well as its drought climate and water salinity tolerant character have motivated many countries such as Algeria to adapt such a plant culture. This study aims to assess entomofauna from Hymenoptera order in terms of composition and functional diversity. We aim also to evaluate the consequences of the expansion and uncommon crop on the hymenopteran composition. For the first field trial, the survey was carried out in Biskra province during 2018-2019. The Shannon Wiener index and evenness indices were used to measure family’s diversity. The results revealed that 1737 specimens were identified into forty families and 166 species. Formicidae species were the most abundant with 68 % of total number of individuals, followed by Braconidae with 7 % and Crabronidae with 5 %. As well, diversity collected with yellow pan traps was more important in winter and spring seasons. As the functional groups, results indicated the presence of three major groups; parasitoids, pollinators and predators. The parasitoid group is the richest one.

Keywords

• quinoa crop
• hymenoptera order
• abundance
• Shannon Wiener index
• Biskra