Insect pests of pearl millet in West Africa: A review

Abstract

Pearl millet (Pennisetum americanum (L.) K. Schum), a major food crop in the sahelian and savanna regions of West Africa, is attacked by about 100 species of insects. Of these, the only regular pests are stem borers (Acigona ignefusalis Hmps. and Sesamia spp.) and earhead caterpillars (Masalia spp., Raghuva spp.). Sporadic pests such as hairy caterpillars (Amsacta moloneyi Druce), armyworms (Spodoptera spp. and Mythimna spp.) and grasshoppers (Acrididae) may cause severe losses to crops during prolonged droughts early in the season. A grain midge (Geromyia penniseti (Felt)) attacks late millets and causes a considerable loss in yield. Information is presented on the biology, distribution, hosts and natural enemies of these pests, and some methods of control are discussed.

Evaluation of host plant resistance, sowing date modification and intercropping as methods for the control ofMylabris and Coryna species (Coleoptera: Meloidae) infesting pearl millet in the Nigerian Sudan savanna

“…Meloid beetles began to appear in millet fields from 16 to 18 August in both trial years. The results, however, conform with reports on earlier studies in the West African region which suggest that meloid beetles begin feeding at the time of panicle emergence, with peak beetle activity occurring during flowering stage (Gahukar, 1984(Gahukar, , 1988Zethner & Laurense, 1988;Grunshaw et al, 1994;Jago, 1995).…”

“…are known to reduce grain yield of millet by damaging developing grains (Gahukar, 1984;Tanzubil & Yakubu, 1997;Ajayi et al, 1998). The low damage observed in Gargasori may be attributed to the presence of bristles in this variety which probably reduced the chances of meloid beetles locating developing grains.…”

“…Psalydolytta spp. damage whole flowers and milky grains (Gahukar, 1984(Gahukar, , 1991Coop et al, 1993a;Grunshaw et al, 1994) causing sterilization (flower damage) or blanking (milky grain damage) in millet panicles (Coop et al, 1993a). In Nigeria, a yield loss of up to 70% caused by Coryna spp.…”

“…Successful cultivation of pearl millet is, however, hampered by insect pests of which about 161 species are associated with millet in Nigeria alone (Ajayi, 1985). Species of Psalydolytta, Mylabris and Coryna (Coleoptera: Meloidae) are reported to be economic pests causing extensive damage to millet in the West African sub-region (Gahukar, 1984;Ajayi, 1985;Gahukar, 1988;Zethner & Laurense, 1988;Gahukar, 1991;Grunshaw, 1992;Grunshaw et al, 1994;Jago, 1995;Krall et al, 1995;Tanzubil & Yakubu, 1997). Mylabris and Coryna spp.…”

Gestion de la chenille mineuse de l'épi du mil par des lâchers du parasitoïde Habrobracon hebetor Say au Niger

“…Ce lépidoptère qui se développe sur l'organe de fructification du mil (Gahukar, 1984) peut causer des pertes de rendement en grain de 60 % en années de fortes pullulations.…”