Entomophaga (1995) 40, 211-221
D. Traoré, C. Vincent and R.K. Stewart (1995)
Life history of Smicronyx guineanus and Sm. umbrinus (Col.: Curculionidae) on Striga hermonthica (Scrophulariaceae)
Entomophaga 40 (2), 211-221
Abstract: The life history of Smicronyx guineanus and Sm. umbrinus, weevils attacking Striga hermonthica, was studied in Burkina Faso, West Africa. Field experiments were conducted in 1992 and 1993 at Kaya, in fields of sorghum (Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench and pearl millet (Pennisetum americanum (L.) K. Schum. (syn. P. typhoides (Burm.) Stapf and Hubb). The weevils are univoltine; the adults emerge in late August, mate and eggs are laid in the ovary of Striga inflorescence. Larval feeding in the ovary causes galling and prevents seed production. The main damage to Striga seed capsule is caused by the larvae of at least two Smicronyx species. Last-instar larvae drop to the soil and bury themselves to a depth of 1-15 cm, pupate and enter into dormancy. Most pupae are found in the upper 5-10 cm of the soil. The pupal period lasts from late October to late July. In May, we found 75.6% of pupae against 24.4% of adults in dormancy.
(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): Charles Vincent, Doulaye Traore
Research topic(s) for pests/diseases/weeds:
biocontrol - natural enemies
Research topic(s) for beneficials or antagonists:
general biology - morphology - evolution
