Entomologia Generalis (2007) 30, 219-233

Sevilor Kekeunou, Stephan Weise, Christian Nolte and Jean Messi (2007)
Feeding and reproductive activities under field conditions of the variegated grasshopper on legumes selected for short fallow improvement (Orthoptera: Pyrgomorphidae)
Entomologia Generalis 30 (3), 219-233
Abstract: Amongst various approaches to improve the short fallow system, the introduction of leguminous cover crops has been considered to be more promising and efficient. This introduction may create more complex pests scenarios than those encountered in traditional agricultural systems. Here is a report on the feeding and reproductive activities of the variegated grasshopper Zonocerus variegatus (Linnaeus 1758) on Chromolaena odorata (Linné) King and Robinson and 50 selected legumes species under testing process, prior to their introduction in the agricultural system in the humid forest zone of southern Cameroon. Direct observations on plants were done in the field set up in the experimental station of the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (Mbalmayo-Cameroon). The results showed that Z. variegatus consumes actively C. odorata and 21 legumes species. Compared to C. odorata, the frequency of the feeding activities on legumes was less. The most attacked legume species were Cajanus cajan and Pueraria phaseoloides. Variegated Grasshopper attacked all plants organs, with a strong preference for the leaves. The frequency of the feeding activities observed on leaves and flowers were most important on C. odorata. With regard to the reproduction, some cases of mating were noted on C. cajan and Mucuna veracruz. No oviposition was observed in all the 51 plant species studied. Hatching was found only under C. odorata. This study suggests that the feeding and reproduction activities of Variegated Grasshopper in the field depend on the plant species available. The observed lower feeding and reproductive activities on legumes compared to C. odarata indicates that the introduction of these legumes in the system may reduce the pest status of Z. variegatus.
(The abstract is excluded from the Creative Commons licence and has been copied with permission by the publisher.)
Database assignments for author(s): Sévilor Kekeunou

Research topic(s) for pests/diseases/weeds:
environment - cropping system/rotation

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Pest and/or beneficial records:

Beneficial	Pest/Disease/Weed	Crop/Product	Country	Quarant.
	Zonocerus variegatus	Pigeonpea (Cajanus cajan)	Cameroon
	Chromolaena odorata (weed)		Cameroon