Spatial Distribution, Pupation Behaviour And Natural Enemies Of Cirina Forda Westwood (Lepidoptera: Saturniidae) Around Its Host, The Sheanut Tree, Vitellaria Paradoxa C.F.Gertn

Authors: Odebiyi J.A.; Omoloye A.A.; Bada S.O.; Awodoyin R.O.; Oni P.I.

Source: Insect Science and Its Application, Volume 23, Number 3, 1 September 2003 , pp. 267-272(6)

Publisher: International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology

Buy & download fulltext article:

The full text article is not available for purchase.

The publisher only permits individual articles to be downloaded by subscribers.

Abstract:

The spatial distribution, pupation behaviour and natural enemies of Cirina forda in the soil around its host, the sheanut tree, Vitellaria paradoxa were investigated in the field. Results indicated that final instars pupated within a 6–15 cm depth of soil located within a 90-cm radius around the host tree. Pupal density was significantly higher (P < 0.05) in soils on the north and west axes than on the south and east axes around the host tree. Pupal mortality was significantly higher within the top 5 cm and beyond a 16 cm depth of soil around the host tree. Four fungal pathogens, Trichoderma sp., Aspergillus nigers, A. flavus and Fusarium solani isolated from diseased larvae were implicated in the significantly high larval and pupal mortality that occurred within a 90-cm radius of the host tree trunk. Percentage field parasitism of the eggs by a parasitic wasp Entedon sp. (Hymenoptera: Eulophiidae) averaged 18%. Investigation on the potential of these microorganisms for biological control of C. forda is ongoing. An integration of effective biocontrol agent(s) with a slow release insecticide with a penetration depth of 15–20 cm could form part of an integrated management plan for the pest.

Keywords: SPATIAL DISTRIBUTION; PUPATION; MORTALITY; PATHOGENS; EGG PARASITES

Document Type: Research article

Publication date: 2003-09-01

More about this publication?