Journal of Economic Entomology (2000) 93, 650-657

Mamoudou Setamou, Fritz Schulthess, Hans-Michael Poehling and Christian Borgemeister (2000)
Monitoring and modeling of field infestation and damage by the maize ear borer Mussidia nigrivenella (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae) in Benin, West Africa
Journal of Economic Entomology 93 (3), 650-657
Abstract: In many countries in West Africa, the pyralid ear borer Mussidia nigrivenella Ragonot occasionally causes severe damage to pre- and postharvest maize. Between 1992 and 1995, the distribution of and damage caused by M. nigrivenella were studied in Benin using survey data and an on-station field experiment. The borer was distributed across the whole country, and at maturity an average 25% of the ears sampled in maize fields were infested. Damage levels varied with agro-ecological zones and were highest in the Guinea Savannas. However, borer-related yield losses were comparatively low. Three applications of cypermethrin over the growing season did not provide sufficient control in the on-station field experiment. A model was developed to estimate maize losses caused by M. nigrivenella, using the percentage of infested ears, which explained 93% of the variance. Extrapolation of field data indicated a 25% yield loss once a 100% infestation of maize ears was reached. For surveys in maize fields the model is a valid tool for a rapid assessment of crop losses caused by M. nigrivenella.
(The abstract is excluded from the Creative Commons licence and has been copied with permission by the publisher.)
Link to article at publishers website
Database assignments for author(s): Mamoudou Sétamou, Christian Borgemeister, Fritz Schulthess, Hans-Michael Poehling

Research topic(s) for pests/diseases/weeds:
damage/losses/economics
surveys/sampling/distribution

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Pest and/or beneficial records:

Beneficial	Pest/Disease/Weed	Crop/Product	Country	Quarant.
	Mussidia nigrivenella	Maize/corn (Zea mays)	Benin