An assessment of pest damage on grain sorghum in Botswana

Flattery, K.E. (1982) An assessment of pest damage on grain sorghum in Botswana. Experimental Agriculture, 18 (3). pp. 319-328.

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Abstract

Data on attacks by pests, including insects, on the sorghum cultivar 65D were accumulated in studies carried out over a period of 5 years in Botswana. A modified analytical method of damage assessment is described that includes consideration of all pest occurrences and different levels and timing of pest attack. There was a positive correlation between crop yield and rainfall. The selective infestation of stronger plants, or the ability of those plants to support pest populations, is shown; thus, in most cases, yield reductions are masked. The importance of the tillering habit of 65D on yield, and its ability to compensate for pest damage by further tillering are shown. A cultivar that does not normally tiller was tested in the final year. The effect on yield of all the pests encountered in the 5 years are discussed. The main insect pests were Chilo partellus (Swinh.), Melanaphis sacchari (Zhnt.) (Longiunguis sacchari), Schizaphis graminum (Rond.), Rhopalosiphum maidis (Fitch), Heliothis armigera (Hb.), Mythimna spp., and Somaticus geniculatus (Haag), which caused 10-15% stand reductions at establishment in some plots

Item Type: Article
Additional Information: Thii work was carried out whilst in the employment of the Ministry of Agriculture of the Government of Botswana The author wishes to express appreciation to D. Light for analysis of data. E. Kapo and T. Chepcte for assistance with field recording and yield data, and Dr D. E. Gollifer for comments on the manuscript.
Author Affiliation: Agricultural Research Station, Private Bag 0033, Gaborone, Botswana
Subjects: Plant Protection > Pests
Divisions: Sorghum
Depositing User: Mr B Krishnamurthy
Date Deposited: 17 Apr 2012 11:51
Last Modified: 17 Apr 2012 11:51
URI: http://eprints.icrisat.ac.in/id/eprint/4787

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