Assessment of Entomofauna Associated with Kenaf (Hibiscus cannabinus L.) (Malvales: Malvaceae) in Burkina Faso

Abstract

Background: Kenaf (Hibiscus cannabinus L.) is cultivated for its fibre, leaves, seeds, and diverse household and industrial uses, but information on the insects associated with the crop remains limited in Burkina Faso. Aims: This study aimed to assess insect diversity across the different phenological stages of kenaf (Hibiscus cannabinus L.) in Burkina Faso. Study Design: Field collection of insects associated with kenaf, followed by morphological identification in the laboratory. Place and Duration of Study: The study was conducted at the experimental station of the Institute for Rural Development (IDR) in Gampèla and at the Fundamental and Applied Entomology Laboratory, Joseph KI-ZERBO University, Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso, between 28 July and 1 December 2025. Methodology: Insects were collected using yellow sticky traps (von Moericke traps, Ø = 27 cm, h = 10 cm) and pitfall traps (yellow plastic containers, 10 cm in diameter, buried flush with the soil surface). Traps were installed at 6:00 a.m. and retrieved 24 h later. During each sampling session, four traps of each type were used. The pitfall traps contained a solution composed of 92% water, 1% surfactant, and 7% glycerol, which was renewed at each collection. The yellow sticky traps were positioned at canopy height. Results: The results revealed high insect diversity, with 45 species belonging to 31 families and 8 orders. Coleoptera was the most represented order. Among the species of agronomic importance identified, Amrasca biguttula was the most abundant, followed by Podagrica decolorata and Spermophagus niger. The composition of the entomofauna varied across the three different phenological stages of the crop. The reproductive stage exhibited the highest species richness, with 44 recorded species, whereas species distribution was more even during the vegetative stage. Conclusion: These results provide baseline information that may support the development of integrated pest management strategies for Hibiscus cannabinus.