Pest status and control of blister beetles in West Africa

Abstract

During recent years, blister beetles have gained importance in species diversity and as pests of food crops in West Africa. Among the 97 species reported, Psalydolytta fusca Oliv, and P. vestita Duf. are economically important beetle species. Beetle abundance is generally associated with the flowering of crops in a region. Regular intensive weeding and early crop establishment are recommended for pest management in food crops. Global pest control strategies are discussed in the context of subsistence agriculture.