Damage and control of the invasive African black beetle Heteronychus arator F. (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae) in Southern highlands of Tanzania |
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| Authors: | M. Abdallah M.W. Mwatawala N.A. Urio P. W. Mtakwa |
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| Affiliation: | 1. Department of Crop Science and Production, Sokoine University of Agriculture, Morogoro, Tanzania;2. Department of Animal Science and Production, Sokoine University of Agriculture, Morogoro, Tanzania;3. Department of Soil Science, Sokoine University of Agriculture, Morogoro, Tanzania |
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| Abstract: | The invasive, polyphagous Heteronychus arator F. is a serious pest of maize and pasture in Africa, South America and Oceania. The pest is less researched in Africa. A study was conducted in Njombe Region, Tanzania, in 2013/2014, to evaluate the effects of an insecticide, intercropping and strip tillage on populations of H. arator. Treatments were laid in a Complete Randomised Block Design. Results showed that H. arator significantly affected above-ground biomass, cob length and grain yield. Least damage was recorded in the insecticide-treated plots. Results suggest integration of strip tillage, intercropping and insecticides is effective in managing H. arator. |
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| Keywords: | Maize damage phenology sunflower strip tillage Heteronychus arator |
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