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The relationship of Zonocerus variegatus (L.) (Acridoidea: Pyrgomorphidae) with cassava (Manihot esculenta)

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  10 July 2009

E. A. Bernays ,
R. F. Chapman ,
E. M. Leather ,
A. R. McCaffery  and
W. W. D. Modder
E. A. Bernays
Affiliation:
Centre for Overseas Pest Research, College House, Wrights Lane, London W8 5SJ, U.K.
R. F. Chapman
Affiliation:
Centre for Overseas Pest Research, College House, Wrights Lane, London W8 5SJ, U.K.
E. M. Leather
Affiliation:
Centre for Overseas Pest Research, College House, Wrights Lane, London W8 5SJ, U.K.
A. R. McCaffery
Affiliation:
Centre for Overseas Pest Research, College House, Wrights Lane, London W8 5SJ, U.K.
W. W. D. Modder
Affiliation:
Department of Zoology, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria
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Abstract

Field and laboratory studies at Ibadan, Nigeria, showed that the young nymphs of Zonocerus variegatus (L.) normally reject cassava after biting it and die if they are confined on growing leaves. Later instars will eat cassava, especially when deprived of food for some time, but the adults progressively lose weight when restricted to feeding on growing cassava. On cut cassava, on the other hand, extensive feeding occurs and normal growth is maintained. The change from unpalatability to acceptability occurs within about an hour of cutting and is apparently associated with wilting. Cassava produces latex, but this was not distasteful to Zonocerus. The readiness to feed on growing cassava was associated with low levels of hydrogen cyanide production by the leaves; wilted leaves still produced hydrogen cyanide, but at a lower rate than turgid, growing leaves. In the area around Ibadan, Zonocerus regularly defoliates cassava in the latter part of the dry season, probably because a shortage of attractive foods forces the insect to eat cassava.

Type
Original Articles
Information
Bulletin of Entomological Research , Volume 67 , Issue 3 , September 1977 , pp. 391 - 404
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 1977

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