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Distribution and abundance of Temnoschoita quadrimaculata Gly. (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) on oil palm, Elaeis guineensis Jacq. in Ghana

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  19 September 2011

S. K. Asante
Affiliation:
Division of Entomology, Cocoa Research Institute of Ghana, New Tafo, Ghana
R. Kumar*
Affiliation:
Department of Biological Sciences, Rivers State University of Science and Technology, P.M.B. 5080, Port Harcourt, Nigeria
*
* Address all correspondence to Professor R. Kumar.
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Abstract

The seasonal distribution and abundance of adult Temnoschoita quadrimaculata Gly., a pest of oil palm in Ghana was studied. The weevil occurred throughout the year with a peak of abundance from March to June. It preferred breeding in cut fronds which result from harvesting or pruning and was more abundant in 3–6 days old cut fronds.

Adult weevils preferred the upper third portion in comparison to the lower and middle third portion of the palm tree. Their incidence and abundance in pruned plantations was statistically greater (P < 0.05) than in unpruned plantations. Older palm trees were relatively more susceptible to attack than younger ones. Adult weevils preferred feeding on the fresh frond tissues than on leaflets.

Résumé

La distribution et l'abondance saisonières de Temnoschoita quadrimaculata Gly. adultes, une peste du palmier au Ghana ont été etudiées. On a constaté que le charançon était présent pendant toute l'année avec la plus forte pullulation entre les mois de mars et juin. L'élevage du charançon se faisait de préférence dans les blessures des frondes, occasionnées lors de la récolte ou de l'élagage. On a relevé une plus grande pullulation dans des blessures d'une durée allant de trois à six jours.

Les charançons adultes ont une prédilection préférentielle pour la troisiéme portion de la région terminale de l'arbre par rapport à la portion correspondante du milieu et de la région basse du palmier.

Leurs incidence et abondance dans des palmiers élagués étaient statistiquement plus élevées (P < 0.05) que dans des plantations de palmiers non-élagués. Les plus vieux palmiers étaient plus susceptibles aux attaques que des palmiers plus jeunes. Les charançons adultes se nourissent de préférence sur des tissus frais de frondes que sur des feuillets.

Type
Research Articles
Copyright
Copyright © ICIPE 1987

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References

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