Spraying of diflubenzuron at 100 g a.i./ha after spike emergence (10–15 cm from flag leaf) was more effective against early larval stages of millet spike worm, Heliocheilus (=Raghuva) albipunctella De Joannis, than spraying the crop at female flowering or at the milky grain stage.

Thirty-five pearl millet cultivars of short, medium and long maturity cycle were screened in Senegal during 1985–1986 crop seasons to study field reaction to the attack of stalk borer, Coniesta (Acigona) ignefusalis Hmps.; spike worm, Heliocheilus (Raghuva) albipunctella De Joannis; millet midge, Geromyia penniseti Felt; head smut, Tolysporium penicillariae Bref; and ergot, Claviceps fusiformis Lov. Insect and disease incidence varied considerably depending upon cultivar maturity cycle. Least susceptible cultivars were IBV-8001 and P8 against spike worm; Zalla, NKK, P8 and M2D2 against head smut, and Ex-Darou against ergot. Cultivation of IBV-8001 has been suggested in northern and central Senegal. However, studies on identification and utilization of resistance sources of wide genetic diversity and multilocational tests may be necessary.

Pearl millet, Pennisetum americanum L. occupies a large proportion of the area growing millets in Africa. Consequently the insect pests that attack this species have received attention over other millets. A list of the major species is presented. Actual data on losses due to insect pests on pearl millet are not readily available. Crop loss assessment methods using incidence and damage ratios are discussed. Quantitative losses determined from insecticide trials at research station are also presented.

The pearl millet, Pennisetum americanum L., a major food crop in the Sahel, is regularly attacked by a complex of spike worms, of which Raghuva albipunctella De Joannis (Noctuidae: Lepidoptera) is the most common and abundant species. The research on taxonomy, economic importance, biology and ecology of spike worm and control measures used to suppress its populations is reviewed from 1972 (period of its first outbreak) to 1984. Further studies are proposed to develop a viable pest management strategy which would be effective, practical, economical and easily adopted by the farmers. The present paper also discusses the difficulties and possibilities of such approach in relation to subsistence farming systems.