An arthropod sampling survey was performed in two palm groves from the wilaya of Biskra and Ouled Djellal. During 12 months (2020) of survey, the obtained results indicated the presence of 117 taxons divided into 2 classes (Insecta =103 species and Arachnids = 11 species). The species belonged to the orders: Coleoptera, Diptera, Orthoptera, and Hymenoptera. The Coleoptera order was the most represented in the two palm groves (32 from Ouled Djellal (OD) and 6 from Feliache (Fe)). The major trophic guild represented in the oasis ecosystems was the predator guild (OD= 39%, Fe=32%) in comparison to those of phytophagous (OD= 28%, Fe=12%) and pests (OD= 4%, Fe=15%). This indicates an ecological balance in the investigated oasis ecosystems between pests and their predators. The observation of two new species: Scymnus frontalis (Fabricius, 1787) and Diomus zinon (González and Honour, 2011), from the Coccinilidae Family increases the number of predator species of insect pests in the investigated oasis ecosystems. DeghicheDiab et Deghiche (PDF) Article history: Received: 25 February 2022; Revised: 25 April 2022; Accepted: 4 June 2022; Available online: 30 June 2022.

During the study conducted at the palm grove of Ziban oases from June 2017 until May 2018 and from 48 samples yellow water traps, a total of 969 aphids specimens were captured from 36 spontaneous plants identified at Ain Ben Noui palm grove, Biskra. Over 11 aphid species were identified, which 5 were qualified as accidentals and 3 were respectively accessories and constant species. The most abundant species were Myzus persicae (26.32%) and Aphis gossypii (21.05%). Myzus persicae (Sulzer, 1776) was observed on 9 spontaneous plants, Aphis fabae (Scopoli, 1763) was associated to 12 spontaneous plants, whereas Aphis craccivora (Koch, 1854) was recorded on 6 spontaneous plants. The most important richness of winged aphids in palm grove was recorded during the spring season (April = 65 individuals; March = 58 individuals) where temperature average was between 17.5°C, 25°C and level rains (May=49.53mm; March=11.67mm). Deghiche-Diab et al (PDF)

This is the first record of genus Scelio (Latreille, 1805) in Algeria. Two species of Scelio poecilopterus (Priesner, 1951) and Scelio vulgaris (Kieffer, 1908), were collected in tomato greenhouses from El Alia and El Hadjeb regions in the province of Biskra, southeastern Algeria in 2019-2020, using yellow pan traps, yellow bottles and Barber traps for sampling specimens, followed by laboratory methods to preserve and identify the samples. Photographic material and information on these species are presented and described, on female specimens, in order to expand the knowledge about the distribution and biodiversity of egg parasitoids in our country.

To investigate the effects of Dittrichia viscosa L. Greuter 1973 extract as a biopesticide on ben-eficial entomofauna in a greenhouse setting in the Biskra region, our study was conducted at the experimental site (CRSTRA). The aerial parts of D. viscosa were collected, dried, and analyzed in...

Poisonous spontaneous plants in South Algeria have long been used traditionally as medicinal remedies. This study examined the use of poisonous wild plants as traditional medicines in Biskra, highlighting their ecological diversity and environmental adaptations. Using a questionnaire survey containing 300 items was developed and distributed in the region. The survey shows that the majority of respondents (65%) are between 30 and 60 years old, with women (59%) being more involved than men (41%). Most live in the outskirts of Biskra (62%), university graduates (36%) are the most knowledgeable. Citrullus colocynthis, Ruta chalepensis, and Thapsia garganica were among the most commonly used plants in the region used to treat digestive (20%) and dermatological (20%) disorders. Leaves are most used (38%) administered orally (54%) with common preparations decoctions (33%) and powders (29%). Measured by handful (55%) by spoonful (25%) and by a pinch (20%). Digestive toxicity is most common (30%), followed by skin, nerve, and kidney effects (15%). Medicinal plants contain both beneficial and toxic compounds, making extracts promising yet risky. Proper identification, characterization, and quantification are essential for safe and effective use.