International Journal of Pest Management (2002) 48, 39-48

G. Farrell, S.A. Simons and R.J. Hillocks (2002)
Pests, diseases and weeds of Napier grass, Pennisetum purpureum: a review
International Journal of Pest Management 48 (1), 39-48
Abstract: Napier or elephant grass (Pennisetum purpureum Schum.) is an important fodder crop in East Africa, particularly in Kenya, where it is used almost exclusively for feeding dairy cattle in cut-and-carry systems. A smut pathogen (Ustilago kamerunensis P. and H. Sydow) was recently reported as being in the country, causing serious losses in biomass. A preliminary investigation of the grass/smut pathosystem revealed very little information on worldwide pests and diseases of the host. Data were not easily accessible and there was no central reference. This review attempts to address this gap in the literature, particularly with regard to the outbreak of U. kamerunensis, which may focus attention on the pest management of a valuable but comparatively neglected crop.
(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): Sarah A. Simons, Rory J. Hillocks

Research topic(s) for pests/diseases/weeds:
review

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Pest and/or beneficial records:

Beneficial	Pest/Disease/Weed	Crop/Product	Country	Quarant.
	Ustilago kamerunensis	Cenchrus (crop)	Kenya