Exploratory Survey of Lixus algirus L. (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) and Its Natural Enemies in Morocco

Abstract

Faba bean (Vicia faba L.) is one of the most important food legumes, and it is grown in Morocco under rainfed conditions. This crop is cultivated for use in both human food and animal feed and has a high protein content and nutritional value. The faba bean stem borer (Lixus algirus L.) is considered to be one of the major biotic stresses of faba beans in some Mediterranean areas, including Morocco. The aim of this study was to determine the distribution and abundance of L. algirus and its natural enemies in several Moroccan faba bean-growing regions. Among all the regions surveyed in this study, the Gharb and Saïs regions recorded the highest levels of damage by L. algirus. The conducted field surveys led to the identification of three parasitoids and one predator for possible use as biocontrol agents, among which the ectoparasitoid Chlorocytus lixi was the most dominant species.