Identification and characterization of the main invasive insects of corn, beans and peanut crops in Dimuca commune, municipality of Neg age, Urge-Angola

The invasion of crops by insect pests’ results in economic losses for a large number of farming families. In this context, the present study was carried out with the aim of characterizing the invasive insects in 3 annual crops (Corn, Beans and Peanuts) in the community of Dimuca in the province of Uíge. The research was carried out between January and June 2023. The research was conducted through an interview based on a questionnaire, and direct observation of insect pests and their damage. 402 peasants were interviewed, 261.3 women and 140.7 men. The main insect pests that attack corn, bean and peanut crops in the study area were: Formicidae sp., Brachytrupes membranaceus, Spodoptera frugiperda, Elasmopalpus lignosellus, Agrotis ipsilon, Bemisia tabaci, Euschistus sp., Rhopalosiphum sp., Schistocerca sp., Zonocerus variegatus, characterized by having chewing and sucking mouthparts, attacking agricultural crops in almost all phenological stages, with greater emphasis on germination and growth 24% and 19% respectively for corn and peanuts; growth to flowering 24% and 19% respectively for corn and beans; from growth to harvest 24%, 24% and 19% respectively for peanuts, beans and corn. The most attacked crop organs were the leaves (62%) and seeds (51%) of beans; peanut seeds with 46%. Only 21.6% of farmers combat insect pests using ash, castor oil, tobacco and pepper. Using local bio-pesticide plants to protect crops against insect pests would provide excellent harvests.