Severin Dushimirimana^{1, 3}, Anastasie Gasogo², Eric- Girbert Kazitsa¹, and Thierry Hance³

1. Ecole Normale Supérieure du Burundi, Department of Natural Sciences

2. Université du Burundi, Department of Biology

3. Biodiversity Research Centre, Earth and Life Institute, Université Catholique de Louvain, Belgium

 

Abstract: The Cassava Mosaic Desease (CMD) still a threat to the successful production of cassava in East African countries especially in Burundi. This unknown virus in South America where cassava takes his origin preoccupies the scientific community but little research are dedicated to its vector Bemisia tabaci, an insect homoptera. In this study, our main objective was to understand the dynamics of this pest and his seasonal variability in cassava.

  We have conducted field experiments and we have found that the population of this pest reaches its higher level in dry season and remain low in rainy season. Our study showed that B.tabaci is very active during the morning with a high capacity of flight whereas at noon and in the evening this insect is less active. We found a strong correlation between the relative humidity and the flying distance and flying time of B.tabaci individuals.

  This study contributed to the knowledge of the behavior ecology of this insect that could be exploited to control this pest in African cassava fields.