Biological parameters of Leptoglossus membranaceus Fabricius, 1781 (Heteroptera: Coreidae) Cucumber pest (Tokyo F1 and poinsett varieties) in the rainy season in Daloa (Côte d’Ivoire)

Abstract

Leptoglossus membranaceus attacks the cucumber. Its control requires knowledge of biological parameters. The study was carried out in Daloa first by monitoring insects in cages in order to study their reproductive and survival potential. The results show that the female lays 180 ± 35 eggs. The average length of the laying period is 98.76 ± 13 days. The incubation of the eggs averages is 7, 33 ± 0, 58 days. The mean fertility rate is 91.97 ± 4.08%. Insect survival rate is 17.03%. The sex ratio is 0.77 in favour for the males. The lifespan 129.4 ± 28.23 days for males and 105.9 ± 21.37 for females. The development cycle is 33.41 ± 2.52 days. This insect causes many damage to the cucumber. A healthy plant produces 14.1± 2.26 fruits and an attacked plant produces 7.93±1.80 fruits. The work will allow the control of this insect through the control of the biological cycle.