Spatio-temporal distribution of the infestations of Coelaenomenodera lameensis Berti and Mariau (Coleoptera, Chrysomelidae) an oil palm tree (Elaeis guineensis Jacq.) pest in Toumanguié (Côte d’Ivoire)

Abstract

Spatio-temporal distribution of Coelaenomenodera lameensis Berti and Mariau, 1999, pest of palm oil tree (Elaeis guineensis Jacquin, 1963) was carried out on 1226 ha of an industrial plantation at Toumanguié (south-east of Côte d’Ivoire). Temporal distribution of population established the existence, according to the years, of favorable periods of Coelaenomenodera lameensis infestations. Eight peaks of infestation were observed during 24 months. Infestation cycles proceeds each 90 days. Spatial distribution of the infestations revealed experimental plots having recorded between 0 and 8 months of infestation during the 2 years of investigation. This distribution proved to be independent of the age of the plots. Infestations were also independent of abiotic factors (rainfall, temperature and relative humidity). Larvae at stages 1, 2, 3 and 4 are mostly responsible of the damages observed in the fields.

Key words: Coelaenomenodera lameensis; Elaeis guineensis; spatio-temporal distribution; Côte d’Ivoire