The potential threat and means of control of Prostephanus truncatus (Coleoptera : Bostrichidea) in Africa
1994
Hodges, R.I. (Natural Resources Institute, Chatham Maritime, Kent (United Kingdom). Grain Technology Department)
The Larger Grain Borer (Prostephanus truncatus) is indigenous to meso-America but was introduced into East Africa in the late 1970s. Since then it has spread to several countries in both eastern and western Africa. It is a serious pest in farm stores and without appropriate control procedures it can substantially increase losses of maize and dried cassava. Potential methods for loss reduction are outlined, the most important of which are store hygiene, improved storage structures and insecticide application. In order to advise farmers appropriately, extension workers must take account of the threat posed by the pest in the climatic zone in question, the storage method already in use by the farmers and the period for which the food is to be stored. Other possible actions to reduce losses could include the development of less susceptible maize varieties and biological control with the predator Teretrisoma nigrescens
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