Insect pests of pearl millet in West Africa: A review

Abstract

Pearl millet (Pennisetum americanum (L.) K. Schum), a major food crop in the sahelian and savanna regions of West Africa, is attacked by about 100 species of insects. Of these, the only regular pests are stem borers (Acigona ignefusalis Hmps. and Sesamia spp.) and earhead caterpillars (Masalia spp., Raghuva spp.). Sporadic pests such as hairy caterpillars (Amsacta moloneyi Druce), armyworms (Spodoptera spp. and Mythimna spp.) and grasshoppers (Acrididae) may cause severe losses to crops during prolonged droughts early in the season. A grain midge (Geromyia penniseti (Felt)) attacks late millets and causes a considerable loss in yield. Information is presented on the biology, distribution, hosts and natural enemies of these pests, and some methods of control are discussed.