Influence of Different Citrus Cropping Systems on Insect Diversity in the Northern West of Algeria

Ali-Arous, S., Z. Labdaoui, M. Benelhadj-Djellloul and K. Djelouah. 2024. Influence of Different Citrus Cropping Systems on Insect Diversity in the Northern West of Algeria. Arab Journal of Plant Protection, 42(4): 406-418. https://doi.org/10.22268/AJPP-001263 Over the past few decades, the Algerian citrus industry has benefited from significant public subsidies for renewing old plantations. As a result, some growers have switched from the conventional extensive cropping system to new intensive production systems. Management systems have a relevant impact on insect diversity and abundance, as they affect ecological stability and biodiversity. In this context, a comparative study was carried out in two managed citrus orchards in Chlef Valley aimed to assess the insect diversity and abundance in these two areas. Overall, 717 insects belonging to 62 species were identified in the extensive unweeded orchard with a Shannon diversity index of 2.94, whereas only 394 insects belonging to 32 species were recorded in the intensive weeded orchard. Concerning the flora, 10 plant species were identified in the extensively managed orchard, permitting the establishment of diverse insect species compared to the intensively managed orchard. Non-parametric tests analysis of the recorded data showed a significant correlation between cropping systems and arthropod species abundance and richness. Likewise, similarity indices showed clear differences between the studied agroecosystems. However, general linear model tests showed no correlation between weeding methods related to some diversity estimators. Nevertheless, the main diversity parameters indicated that the extensive approach maintained better insect diversity and allowed different insect functional groups to live and interact, enhanced by naturally occurring plants present within and surrounding the studied orchards. Diversity potential in the extensive management of citrus crop highlighted during this survey gave a concrete insight that conversion from an extensive to an organic production system will be smooth, safe, and promising. Keywords: Citrus, cropping system, conversion, insect diversity, Algeria