Coprophagous beetles belonging to two genera, Onitis and Heliocopris, were collected and fed on proglotids and eggs of Taenia saginata. The beetles' faeces was collected after 24 hr onwards and examined for Taenia eggs. The flight range and behaviour of the beetles was investigated using cow rumen contents as bait for starved marked beetles. Results indicate that coprophagous beetles could play a role in dissemination of taeniasis.

Techniques for assessing infestation trends of Latoia viridissima are presented in this report. A plot of the head capsule widths of larvae indicated six larval instars with instars one and two being more abundant. It also illustrated the composition of larval instars in the population and hence would serve as a standard against which future samples of the species could be compared. Larval survivorship data indicated heavy mortality (>60%) during instars one and two. Major mortality factors were an aggregate of natural enemies, particularly predators (causing 40–50% of the death during the age interval), parasitoids and pathogens responsible for 60–80% mortality throughout the entire larval life. The residual cocoon populations were further reduced by about 20–30% by parasitoids (Brachymeria sp., Chrysis spina, Cocygodes coccyx, Palexorista sp and Systropus pelopoeus) and a pathogenic fungus. Data from cocoon samples showed that the sexes of the moth could be separated on the basis of cocoon size. Cocoon weights were therefore, a better criterion than cocoon diameter values for separating the sexes; since overlap between the sexes was less than 5 % for cocoon weight as against 20% In the case of cocoon diameters. The separation point tended to lie between cocoons weighing 350–399 mg. Fecundity of the females was highly correlated with female weights (r = 0.901) and wing length (r = 0.89), The calculated fecundity of 143 eggs/female (using wing length) was not statistically different (P ≤ 0.05) from the observed value of 149 eggs/female. The significance of the findings as regards forecast of outbreaks and assessment of outbreak situations are discussed.

Eight species of the genus Chilo Zincken have been reported from maize, sorghum and millet. Out of these, four species C. agamemnon Bleszynksi, C. diffusilineus de Joannis, C. orichalcociliellus (Strand) and C. partellus (Swinhoe) are known pests of these crops. Others, C. sacchariphagus (Bojer) and C. suppressalis (Walker), are serious pests of sugar-cane and rice and have been occasionally recorded attacking maize, sorghum and millet. Their distribution is discussed. About 50 species of parasitoids and predators reported from various Chilo spp. are listed. Possibilities of biological control are discussed.

Incidence and extent of damage resulting from attack by the striped bean weevil Alcidodes leucogrammus Erichs, were assessed by random sampling of cowpea plants in monocropped and within maize-cowpea-sorghum intercropping combinations at two locations. The biology and damage symptoms caused by the bean weevil are discussed. The effect of A. leucogrammus incidence on cowpea nodulation is evaluated and evidence presented that the weevil attack causes a reduction in the number of nodules. Emma 60, a local cowpea cultivar, exhibits some degree of resistance against A. leucogrammus (P < 0.05). Sorghum–cowpea intercropping combinations have significantly fewer weevils (P < 0.05) possibly as a result of the close spacing and tillering capacity of the sorghum companion crop which prevents or obstructs the weevil migration between rows.

A number of butadienes and their thiophene congeners were found to be phototoxic toward the larvae of the mosquito Aedes aegypti and of the fruit fly Drosophila melanogaster. Only the first instar larvae of the fruit fly were killed by the chemical treatment in the presence of long wavelength ultraviolet light (UVA), while the mosquito larvae were all affected by a similar treatment which was performed with either UVA or natural daylight. With one exception, the mosquito larvae were all killed within 1 hr of daylight exposure in the presence of an average concentration of 0.8 ppm of the phototoxin. The fruit fly larvae were killed within 20 min of exposure to UVA when in contact with a filter paper disc containing 1.13 × 10−5 g/cm2 of the phototoxin.

During the last decade damage to stone-and pome-fruit orchards in Israel caused by bark beetles has increased. We present data on injury by Scolytus amygdali Geur. and S. rugulosus Muller to nine rosaceous fruit trees of Prunus spp., Malus silvestris, Pyrus malus, Cydonia oblonga and Eriobotrya japonica in 6 major regions in Israel. Approximately 64 and 18% of the sampled areas planted with stone- and pome-fruits, respectively, were damaged by bark beetles. The heaviest damage occurred on apricot, almond, peach, plum and cherry. Most of the area planted with stone fruits, and large areas planted with apple and pear, were damaged by bark beetles. The most widespread beetle damage occurred in the central mountain range and the southern coastal region, with approximately 96 and 92% of the sampled area damaged, respectively and the least occurred in the northern mountain range. Stone fruits are more susceptible to damage by bark beetles than apple and pear, while quince and loquat are virtually resistant. The level of damage appears to be influenced by grove management, host plant resistance to Capnodis spp. (Coleoptera: Buprestidae), climatic conditions and conditions in plots neighbouring the orchard.

Bemisia tabaci (Gennadius) is a global insect pest that transmits many important plant viruses. A field study was conducted on infestation by B. tabaci and incidence of whitefly-transmitted viruses after the application of selected foliar and seed-treated biorational insecticides in seven vegetable and row crops in Egypt. Three foliar insecticides (Actara, Biofly and Neemix) and a treated check (Actellic) were assayed across three weeks on seedlings and mature plants, and two seed-treated insecticides (Actara and Gaucho) and a treated check (Aldicarb) were assayed on seedlings. All of the foliar insecticides led to 60–100% reductions in whitefly infestations in each crop. Biofly and Neemix were the least efficacious insecticides. Incidences of whitefly-transmitted viruses were reduced in each insecticide-treated plot with seedlings of four crops; however, no effect on virus incidence was observed in the experiment with mature plants. Crops of cucumber, eggplant, squash and tomato displayed symptoms characteristic of Cucumber vein yellowing virus, Squash leaf curl virus or Tomato yellow leaf curl virus; however, no symptoms of whitefly-transmitted viruses were observed in green bean, potato or sugar beet. The results show that several biorational insecticides may suppress whitefly populations in seedlings to delay whitefly-transmitted viruses in some vegetable crops in Egypt.

The springtail Megalothorax laevis Denis, 1948 is redescribed from a broad sampling in the intertropical zone: Vietnam (including type locality), Ivory Coast, Gabon, Réunion island and French Guiana. Pseudopore-like elements are for the first time reported on the trunk and legs of Megalothorax species. New molecular data for M. laevis (16S rDNA, 28S rDNA d1 and d2 and COI Barcode) are provided. The phylogenetic position of the species within the Megalothorax genus is analysed. Megalothorax laevis belongs to the incertus group but shares similitudes with the minimus group acquired through evolutionary convergences (such as smooth lamellae of the mucro). Those similitudes might have created confusion between M. minimus and M. laevis. While M. minimus used to be regarded cosmopolitan, M. laevis has been overlooked since its original discovery. However, the present sampling led us to believe that M. laevis replace M. minimus as the commonest edaphic Megalothorax species in the intertropical zone. A key to the Megalothorax species with smooth mucro lamellae is provided.

A South American leaf galling psyllid, Calophya schini Tuthill, has recently been discovered attacking the South American tree Schinus molle L. in Kenya and Ethiopia. This represents the first record of the psyllid in each country and the only record of C. schini in Africa outside of South Africa. In Kenya, the psyllid was parasitized by an unidentified tetrastichine (Eulophidae), probably of the genus Tamarixia, while in Ethiopia C. schini nymphs were heavily parasitized by an unidentified hymenopteran.

The influence of host presence, age and mating on calling behaviour of the female spotted bollworm, Earias vittella, was studied under a 14L:10D photoperiod. Onset of calling was earlier in the presence of a host and 93% of the females initiated calling in its presence on day one after emergence, compared to 67% in its absence. A majority of the females initiated calling during the 10th hour of the first scotophase and thereafter the initiation shifted to earlier hours as age advanced. Females generally called longer in the presence of a host. The mean time spent in calling, from the 1st to the 10th day increased from 56 to 152 min in the absence of a host, and from 77 to 234 min in its presence. Most of the females resumed calling after mating, but the mated females exhibited a significant reduction in calling performance when compared with the virgin females.

Laboratory experiments on the role of humidity, density and species of prey were conducted in order to better understand the ecology of Teretriosoma nigrescens Lewis (Coleoptera: Histeridae), a predator introduced into West Africa to control the larger grain borer, Prostephanus truncatus. Developmental time of T. nigrescens was very similar among individuals exposed to 30,40, 70 and 90% relative humidity at 30°C, although survivorship varied. At optimal temperature and humidity larvae fed only first-instar Sitophilus zeamais as prey took longer to develop and weighed less at emergence, than those raised on first-instar P. truncatus. Larvae feeding on Tribolium castaneum took longer to develop with only 10% surviving to the adult stage. None of the larvae offered Gnatocerus maxillosus as prey survived. In an analysis of prey consumption rates, no T. nigrescens larvae survived on one P. truncatus first-instar larva per day; 50% survived on two per day, and almost 90% survived on five larvae per day. In an analysis of density effects on T. nigrescens reproduction and survivorship, there was no difference in the number of Fl offspring at T. nigrescens:P. truncatus ratios of 15:300,30:300,60:300 or 90:300, suggesting that the lowest predator: prey production ratio was the most efficient one.

In a bid to develop technologies that serve grower needs for economic management of pests and diseases of hot pepper (scotch bonnet) while protecting public health and the environment, a study to assess the potential of cover cropping and/or less-risk pesticide usage in the management of pests and diseases of hot pepper was conducted for two consecutive seasons in Uganda. A split-plot randomized complete block design with three replications was used with cropping system (main plots) and pesticide treatment (sub-plots) as the factors. There were two cropping systems: the hot pepper+cowpea system vs. a hot pepper monocrop and five pesticide treatment options: (i) prophylactic treatment of plots at transplanting with granular carbofuran; (ii) weekly sprays of a neem-based formulation; (iii) combination of the prophylactic carbofuran treatment and neem; (iv) sulphur sprays at 10-day intervals (season 2 only); and (v) the untreated control. Data were collected on population dynamics of aphids, whiteflies, thrips, mites, nematodes and on plant performance parameters of branching and fruit weight. Results indicated that the hot pepper+cowpea system greatly lowered infestations of aphids and nematodes on hot pepper, but did not decrease thrips and whiteflies; and brought about a yield penalty on hot pepper. Prophylactic applications of carbofuran and/or sprays of a neem-based formulation lowered populations of aphids and whiteflies on hot pepper to varying extents; and increased yield of pepper.

Studies were carried out to compare the efficacy of insecticide schedules based on calendar intervals with those based on plant growth stages for the control of cowpea insect pests. Spray schedules based on calendar intervals and plant growth stage gave reasonable control of the pest complex and increased grain yields significantly. However, spray schedules based on plant growth stages alone were more efficient for two of the three cowpea varieties tested. This was attributed to differences in maturity periods which made spraying by regular calendar intervals slightly out of phase with attack by key insect pests. Thus, spray schedules based on plant growth stages are recommended for the control of insect pests of cowpea.

The effects of infection by Trypanosoma brucei and DNA virus on the ultrastructure of the salivary gland cells in Glossina pallidipes Austen were investigated. Cytoplasm of uninfected cells contains a dense ribosomal population and rough endopiasmic reticulum, scattered Golgi areas and mitochondria. In infected ceils of salivary glands the ultrastructural integrity of the cytoplasm is profoundly changed due to cellular proliferation giving rise to a stratified epithelium and gland enlargement; cell degeneration characterized by formation of cytoplasmic vacuoles, chromatin margination, disorganization and elimination of cell organelles and gland hypertrophy. The virus particles are found in the nucleoplasm as well as the cytoplasm of cells. The ultrastructural evidence indicates that the virus are largely assembled in nuclei of cells and virions pass through the nuclear membrane. The trypanosomes are found within the degenerating cytoplasm and lumen of the cell.

The implications of the features observed in the infected cells are discussed, and possible suggestions are made regarding alteration of the metabolic functions due to infection.

Cotesia flavipes Cameron (Hymenoptera: Braconidae) was introduced in Uganda in 1998 for the biological control of the old association cereal stemborer Chilo partellus (Swinhoe) (Lepidoptera: Crambidae). However there is little information on whether this parasitoid will attack new association Lepidoptera, which in turn may have implications on its efficacy on Ch. partellus. This study investigated the incidence of introduced Co. flavipes on Ch. partellus, and new association lepidopteran species and associated effects on its efficacy. Parasitism levels for Co. flavipes in several locations varied between 13.7–34.8% and 1.5–18.8% on Ch. partellus and new association hosts, respectively. Implications for biological control of stemborers in Uganda are discussed.

The life cycle of the koinobiont endoparasitoid Platygaster diplosisae Risbec was investigated to assess its suitability as a biological control agent of the African rice gall midge Orseolia oryzivora Harris & Gagné. Screen house and laboratory experiments were conducted in 2008 under ambient conditions in Ibadan, Nigeria. Morphological characteristics of the parasitoid's immature stages were observed, and its life cycle parameters were measured. The parasitoid's average egg incubation period was 12.9 days, and on average, 67.3% of eggs hatched. Three instars occurred, with average developmental durations of 2.2, 0.5 and 2.5 days for the 1st, 2nd and 3rd instars, respectively. Pupal development took 6.7 days until adult emergence. Pre-oviposition period averaged 12.1 h, and a female laid on average 95.2 eggs, with a mean oviposition period of 3.5 days. The longevity of males and females was 3.0 and 4.1 days, respectively, without food; longevity was extended when honey and water were provided. Mating and oviposition behaviours were recorded, and a sex ratio of eight females to one male was found in parasitoid progeny. The parasitoid had a total developmental period of 27.3 days, which is about 5 days longer than that of its host. In conclusion, P. diplosisae can play an important role in the biological control of O. oryzivora on rice, and should be conserved in African rice production systems.

This paper reports the results of extensive pest surveys conducted on farmers' fields and pest population studies at two national research stations between 1979 and 1981 in Burkina Faso. Major findings indicate that, under normal planting conditions, infestation of the sorghum shootfly, Atherigona seccata is very low in farmers' fields. This pest appears to be restricted to research stations. Stem borer infestation is caused by a complex of species, and species predominance varies with rainfall. South of latitude 12°N, Busseola fusca is the predominant species but further north it is replaced by Acigona ignefusalis, which is a primary pest of pearl millet. Panicle damage caused by the sorghum midge, Contarinia sorghicola, varies with season; is usually very low in the dry northern Sahelian zone but severe south of latitude 13°N. Maximum midge populations occurred between mid-September and early October.

Gorging is stimulated in some insects by plasma components alone. In other insects engorgement is maximal only when blood cell components are present in addition to the plasma. Plasma components recognized by insects are NaCl, NaHCO3 (some anopheline mosquitoes) and albumin (Anopheles dirus and Pediculus humanus). Those requiring blood cells recognize this fraction by its adenine nucleotides which, for optimal engorgement, have to be offered in the presence of isotonic NaCl solution buffered by NaHCO3 (i.e. Rhodnius, culicine mosquitoes, Simulium, tsetse and Tabanus). The presence of albumin in the feeding medium may lower the level of nucleotides required to induce gorging (i.e. Aedes).

For most haematophagous insects requiring the cellular fraction, ATP is the most effective phagostimulant. It may however be replaced quite effectively by non-hydrolyzable analogues, indicating that ATP is not essential as a source of energy for the gustatory receptors involved in blood meal recognition.

Among the eight entomopathogenic fungi tested against the termite, Odontotermes obesus (Rambur), five fungal pathogens viz., Beauveria bassiana (Bals.) Yuil, Metarhizium anisopliae (Metsch.) Sorokin var. anisopliae, M. flavoviride Gams Rozsypal var. minus, Paecilomyces lilacinus (Thom) Samson and P. fumosoroseus (Wize) Brown & Smith, were pathogenic. Three other fungal pathogens viz. Verticillium lecanii Zimm, Paecilomyces farinosus (Holm, ex Gray) and Nomuraea rileyi (Farlow) were not pathogenic. B. bassiana was the most effective pathogen against termites, followed by M. anisopliae, M. flavoviride, P. lilacinus and P. fumosoroseus. Workers minor, of the three morphogenetic forms of O. obesus, were the most susceptible, followed by workers major and soldier caste. Bioassay on isolates of two most virulent termite pathogens, B. bassiana and M. anisopliae revealed that B. bassiana isolate Bapatla was the most effective fungal pathogen with the lowest LC50 (9.98 × 104 conidia/ml)

A two-year survey was undertaken to determine the trypanosomosis risk of Egbe, a town in Kogi state of Nigeria, and its suitability for cattle raising. Tsetse flies were trapped using biconical traps and examined for trypanosome infection, and blood samples from cattle and goats were examined by blood film and haematocrit centrifugation technique (HCT) for trypanosome parasites. No infection was detected from the 152 Glossina palpalis palpalis and 52 G. tachinoides dissected over the period. Blood film examination of 181 cattle and 14 goats also gave negative results. Examination by HCT of 21 cattle from a local abattoir showed 14.3% Trypanosoma vivax infection, but the 10 resident cattle and 14 goats similarly examined were negative. The average age of the caught flies, determined by mean wing fray values (for males) and ovarian analysis (for females), was between 11 and 14 days, which is too low to sustain an infective population. Coupled with the absence of G. morsitans submorsitans, the most important vector of animal trypanosomosis in Nigeria, and the disappearance of large game from Egbe, our results would point to the area being a low trypanosomosis risk one.