Incidence and distribution of the stem borer, Coniesta ignefusalis (Hampson) (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae), in cereal crops in northern Ghana

English

Studies were conducted on the incidence and geographical distribution of the stem borer, Coniesta ignefusalis (Hampson), in the millet belt of northern Ghana between 1996 and 1997. Results clearly showed the existence of the insect at all locations surveyed, but with a higher incidence in the Sudan savanna. The insect was more abundant on millet followed by sorghum, and stalks of these cereals provide refuge for diapause larvae and thus contribute to population carry-over from one season to another. Though maize stalks and stubble showed signs of stem borer attack, no C. ignefusalis larvae were extracted from them, suggesting that maize is not very important in the population ecology of the insect. It is concluded from the studies that proper management of cereal stalk and stubble after harvest could help reduce the population carry-over of the insect from one season to another. Additionally, growing maize in rotation or in association with millet could be a useful tool for reducing C. ignefusalis incidence and damage in the millet-based farming systems of northern Ghana.

Tanzubil, P. B.; Mensah, G. W. K.