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Utilization of natural enemies of Chilo spp. for management in Africa

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  19 September 2011

D. J. Greathead
Affiliation:
International Institute of Biological Control, Silwood Park, Buckhurst Road, Ascot, Berkshire, SL5 7TA
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Abstract

Knowledge on the natural enemies of graminaceous stem borers is outlined, with special reference to mortality of Chilo spp. as crop pests in Africa. The quantitative scanty information available suggests that over 90% mortality of eggs and larvae takes place before the larvae become established as borers in the crop and that mortality of the older larvae and pupae is much lower. Possible manipulations of natural enemies to increase mortality further are reviewed. In view of the largely negative results of past classical biological control introductions the prospects do not appear very promising. However, the results do indicate some possibilities which should be investigated, notably trials with Apanteles spp. (Braconidae) and intra-continental redistribution of important species with restricted distributions. For short-term biological control, development of microbial biopesticides seems a more promising strategy than augmentation of insect parasitoids by breeding and release, particularly on small farms. A third possibility, enhancement of the action of native natural enemies by environmental manipulation, merits more attention as part of an integrated crop production approach to the improvement of the quantity and reliability of yields for the small farmer.

Résumé

La connaissance des ennemis naturels des foreurs des graminées cultivées est delimitée par reférence particulière à la mortalité de Chilo spp. comme ravageurs des plantes cultivées en Afrique. Les renseignements quantitatifs sont maigres, mais ils indicent que plus de 90% mortalité des oeufs et larves s'arrive avant de leurs établissement comme les foreurs dans la plantation, et que la mortalité des larves plus vieux et des imagos est beaucoup plus basse. Les manipulations possibles des ennemis naturels pour augmenter la mortalité sont examinées. En considération des résultats, en grande partie negatif, des introductions d'autrefois pour la lutte biologique, l'avenir ne s'annonce pas bien. Cependant, les résultats indicent des possibilités ceux qui on doit investiger, notamment les essais avec Apanteles spp. (Braconidae) et rédistribution intercontinentale des espèces importantes ayant les distributions limitées. Pour la lutte biologique à court terme la développement des biopesticides microbiales serais une strategie qui promet beaucoup que l'augmentation des insectes parasitoides par l'élevage et la libération, particulièrement dans les fermes plus petites. Une possibilité troisième, l'enchérissement de l'action des ennemis naturels indigènes par la manipulation de l'environment se merite plus d'attention comme une partie d'une rapprochement integrée au production des plantes cultivées à l'amélioration de la quantité et la reliabilité des rendements pour le cultivateur de la petite ferme.

Type
Biological Control
Copyright
Copyright © ICIPE 1990

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References

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