Articles
Field evaluation of control options against the banana weevil (Cosmopolites sordidus) and termites (Microtermes spp.) in banana (Musa spp.)
Article number
1272_14
Pages
113 – 118
Language
English
Abstract
Soil insects such as the banana weevil Cosmopolites sordidus and termites are known to be of economic importance in banana production zones in many parts of Nigeria.
Damage by these soil pests can lodge banana stands or retard growth and thus lead to low yields.
To offer solutions to farmers, a trial was designed to test the efficacy of some control options against banana weevils and termites.
Two cultivars were used namely ‘Dwarf Cavendish’ (AAA, Cavendish subgroup) and ‘Agbagba’ (AAB, Plantain subgroup). Treatments included applications of neem (Azadirachta indica) seed oil, neem leaf mulch, minimal application of chlorpyrifos insecticide, paring and dipping in hot water (50°C) for 25 min and a control.
The 2×5 factorial trial was laid out in a randomized complete block design with three replications.
Insect numbers were monitored on the plant crop in 2012 and on the 1st ratoon crop of 2013. Significantly lower mean numbers of weevils and termites were observed in plots treated with neem seed oil and mulch or chlorpyrifos insecticide compared to the control in 2012 and 2013. Lower weevil numbers were observed in both cultivars where paring + hot water dip were applied compared with the control in 2012; similar results were observed only on ‘Dwarf Cavendish’ in 2013. Termite numbers were not significantly different between the control plots and those of paring + hot water treatment.
The abundance of ants belonging to the Myrmicinae was negatively correlated with banana weevil numbers.
No correlation was observed between weevils and other ant groups identified.
Higher yields were obtained in the treated plots compared to the control.
The results indicate that naturally occurring active ingredients from neem and the simple cultural practice of paring and hot water treatment can reduce banana weevils.
This can be enhanced by predatory ants which are natural enemies of banana weevils.
However, termite numbers were reduced by the synthetic and natural insecticides but not by paring + hot water treatment.
Damage by these soil pests can lodge banana stands or retard growth and thus lead to low yields.
To offer solutions to farmers, a trial was designed to test the efficacy of some control options against banana weevils and termites.
Two cultivars were used namely ‘Dwarf Cavendish’ (AAA, Cavendish subgroup) and ‘Agbagba’ (AAB, Plantain subgroup). Treatments included applications of neem (Azadirachta indica) seed oil, neem leaf mulch, minimal application of chlorpyrifos insecticide, paring and dipping in hot water (50°C) for 25 min and a control.
The 2×5 factorial trial was laid out in a randomized complete block design with three replications.
Insect numbers were monitored on the plant crop in 2012 and on the 1st ratoon crop of 2013. Significantly lower mean numbers of weevils and termites were observed in plots treated with neem seed oil and mulch or chlorpyrifos insecticide compared to the control in 2012 and 2013. Lower weevil numbers were observed in both cultivars where paring + hot water dip were applied compared with the control in 2012; similar results were observed only on ‘Dwarf Cavendish’ in 2013. Termite numbers were not significantly different between the control plots and those of paring + hot water treatment.
The abundance of ants belonging to the Myrmicinae was negatively correlated with banana weevil numbers.
No correlation was observed between weevils and other ant groups identified.
Higher yields were obtained in the treated plots compared to the control.
The results indicate that naturally occurring active ingredients from neem and the simple cultural practice of paring and hot water treatment can reduce banana weevils.
This can be enhanced by predatory ants which are natural enemies of banana weevils.
However, termite numbers were reduced by the synthetic and natural insecticides but not by paring + hot water treatment.
Authors
V.C. Umeh, D. Onukwu
Keywords
Azadirachta indica, hot water dipping, split pseudostem traps, mulch, paring, ratoon crop
Groups involved
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