RA 00110.pdf - OAR@ICRISAT

Table 2. Predators, parasites, and pathogen observed on the eggs, larvae, and pupae of Acigona ignefusalis in the Sahel.
Order
Family
Species of insect/ pathogen
Stage
attacked
Predators
Arachnida
-
Pyemotes ventricesus Newfs.
larva
Parasites
Diptera
Chloropidae
Ceratopogon risbeci Seguy
Epimadiza sp.
larva
pupa
Phoridae
Aphiochaeta sp.
larva
Tachinidae
Sturmiopsis parasitica
Curr.
larva, pupa
Hymenoptera
Bethylidae
Braconidae
Goniozus precerae Risb.
Apanteles sesamiae Cam.
Euvipio rufa Szepl.
E. fascialis Szepl.
Glyptomorpha sp.
Rhaconotus soudanensis Wilkn.
larva
larva
larva
larva
pupa
larva
Chalcididae
Hyporchalcidia soudanensis
Stef.
pupa
Encyrtidae
Euzkadia sp. ( integralis Merc.)
larva
Eulophidae
Pediobius furvus Gah.
Tetrastichus atriclavus Wtrst.
pupa
pupa
Ichneumonidae
Chasmias sp.
Dentichasmias busseolae Hein
Syzeuctus spp.
pupa
pupa
larva
Seelionidae
Platytelenomus hylas Nixon
egg
Pathogen
Fungus
-
Metarrhizium anisopliae (Met.) Sorok
larva
crops in order to maintain pest levels below economic
thresholds.
The integration of all appropriate methods based
on the ecology and dynamics of pest populations
should be relevant for small farmers. In order to
develop a feasible complex of methods, the objective
of pest management in the given cropping system,
and possible constraints (biological, technical, socioeconomic,
etc.) expected during the operations,
should be clearly established (Geiger 1982).
The results from the CILSS Projet Lutte Integree
in the Sahelian countries would be useful in formulating
a preliminary strategy, but this approach
raises certain problems. In-depth studies on the economic
thresholds, and the bioecology of the major
pests are essential, because research will remain a
predominant factor until results can be applied in
farmers' fields.
Pearl millet pest control programs should be
based on varietal resistance and biological control.
This ideal combination requires minimum effort
from farmers.
Other techniques such as burning or burying
stalks and postharvest cultivation should be used
depending on the nature of the pest. Chemical control
should not be rejected completely, but used
judiciously according to the target pest and chemical
products used.
Millet is a staple food crop in the Sahel and will be
grown despite the present constraints. However, a
relevant multidisciplinary approach to crop protection
problems will provide long-term solutions and
real advantages that cannot be measured in economic
terms, but in terms of stable and regular
yields. Such an approach would benefit the Sahelian
farmer considerably.
In order to achieve this, pest surveys and studies
on the dynamics of the major pests—particularly
stem borers and spike worms—should be advanced
further. Population dynamics data is useful to establish
a warning system that is essential to all integrated
pest management programs. Finally, the
transfer of research results of the last few years to the
farmer should be intensified.
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