Journal of
Ecology and The Natural Environment

  • Abbreviation: J. Ecol. Nat. Environ.
  • Language: English
  • ISSN: 2006-9847
  • DOI: 10.5897/JENE
  • Start Year: 2009
  • Published Articles: 408

Full Length Research Paper

Identification of the alternate host plants of the groundnut sucking bug (Rhyparochromus littoralis Dist.) in the Sudan savannah agro-ecological zone of Nigeria

Samaila, A. E.
  • Samaila, A. E.
  • Department of Agronomy, Federal University, Kashere, Gombe State, Nigeria.
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Malgwi, A. M.
  • Malgwi, A. M.
  • Department of Crop Protection, Modibbo Adama University of Technology, Yola, Nigeria.
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Degri, M. M.
  • Degri, M. M.
  • Department of Agronomy, Federal University, Kashere, Gombe State, Nigeria.
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  •  Received: 29 December 2016
  •  Accepted: 15 May 2017
  •  Published: 31 May 2018

Abstract

To identify the alternate host plants of the groundnut sucking bug (Rhyparochromus littoralis Dist.) an emerging field insect pest of groundnut in the Sudan Savannah Agro-ecological zone of Nigeria, field experiment was carried out over a period of five (5) years (2011 to 2016) in order to investigate the behavior of R. littoralis with the aim of developing a strategic control method for this insect pest.  The study established R. littoralis to be a seasonal pest of groundnut that manifests in high density during the months of September to November causing significant loss to cultivated groundnuts in the field and thereafter, disappears until another harvest period.  It was observed that, apart from groundnut, R. littoralis depended on other plants over-season for the sustenance of its life cycle, where it sucks sap from the plant, pods or fruits.  Prominent crops found to be a haven for the over-seasoning for this insect pest included, cowpea, maize, guinea corn and sesame, while a significant percentage were found under the bark-shelves of live-shea tree.  This study therefore recommended serious sanitation measures and good cultural practices of field maintenance to curb the rapid multiplication of this insect pest.

Key words: Alternate host, strategy, over-seasoning, sucking bug, insects, population.

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