Practical identification of the females of five species of atherigona rondani (Diptera, Muscidae) in Kenya

Publication Type

Journal Article

Journal Name

Tropical Pest Management

Publication Date

1-1-1991

Abstract

A field experiment to determine the insect pest profile for cowpea grown under residual soil moisture in ’Rice Fadama ‘ in the Bida area, northern Nigeria was carried out during the dry period of 1987 (February-April). Elite IITA Cultivars TVx 3236 and IT84E-1–108, with some resistance to flower thrips and aphids respectively, were used together with a local cultivar Dan llan in this study. Individual 15 m2plots were sprayed with Cymbush Super ED once to four times, coinciding with the major growth stages of the plant and attack by various insect pests. The key insect pests observed were Ootheca beetle, flower thrips and pod bugs in the foliage, bud formation and flowering and podding stages of plant growth respectively. Insect pressures were low, but flower thrips at bud formation and flowering was the most serious pest, and resulted in about 44% yield reduction. Yield reductions from insect attack at other plant stages singly or in combinations varied from 6% to 48%. Grain yields were 473, 484 and 700 kg/ha for TVx 3236, IT84–1–108 and Dan llan respectively. These yields may be a reflection of the cultivars’ drought tolerance and/or abilities to compensate for insect damage as indicated by higher fodder yields from unsprayed plots. However, considering the higher yields from unsprayed plots, despite the general low yields, high spray costs and farmers’ premium on fodder, chemical control was unprofitable. Thus, developing IPM practices with resistant cultivars and adjustment of planting date as the centrepiece would seem feasible for residual soil moisture cowpea production in this area. © 1991 Taylor & Francis Ltd.

Keywords

Cowpea, Fadamas, Fodder, Insecticides, Northern Nigeria

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