Journal of Food, Agriculture and Environment

A preliminary survey of insect species occurring at the reproductive stage in pigeonpea grown in Limpopo (South Africa)

Author(s):

E. C. Kunjeku, E. T. Gwata ^*

Recieved Date: 2011-04-10, Accepted Date: 2011-09-29

Abstract:

Pigeonpea (Cajanus cajan (L.) Millsp.) is an important legume in tropical cropping systems in Africa where it is grown mainly by smallholder farmers. Currently, the production area of this crop is expanding to non-traditional areas such as the semi-arid belt of the Limpopo River Basin (LRB) in northern South Africa. However, the occurrence of insect species of economic importance in pigeonpea has not been investigated in the LRB. The objective of this study was to identify insect species that occur in pigeonpea at the reproductive growth stage in the LRB in order to design more detailed investigations on the economic impact of such species on the crop. Twenty exotic pigeonpea genotypes were planted in a field experiment in Limpopo. In order to achieve optimum natural infestation, no pesticides or control measures were applied on the crop throughout the season. Random samples of above-ground insects were collected starting from the flower initiation growth stage to 50% physiological maturity of the crop and identified. A wide range of insect species injurious to the crop including pod borers, blister beetles and pod suckers were found. The occurrence of these insects in the crop suggested that it is necessary to assess their pest status and economic impact in the prevailing cropping systems prior to widespread dissemination of pigeonpea technologies in the area.

Keywords:

Infestation, flowering, pod borer, potential insect pests

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Journal: Journal of Food, Agriculture and Environment
Year: 2011
Volume: 9
Issue: 3&4
Category: Environment
Pages: 988-991

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