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Field studies on the biology and economic importance of Psalydolytta spp. (Coleoptera: Meloidae: Meloinae) in Mali, West Africa

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  10 July 2009

J.P. Grunshaw*
Affiliation:
Natural Resources Institute, Chatham, Kent, UK
S. Mariko
Affiliation:
Service National de Protection des Végétaux, Bamako, Mali
I. Troare
Affiliation:
Service National de Protection des Végétaux, Bamako, Mali
*
Mr J.P. Grunshaw, 60 Kirkfieldbank Road, Sandilands, Lanark, ML11 9TS, UK.

Abstract

An account is given detailing some aspects of the biology and economic importance of Psalydolytta pilipes Maklin in pearl millet (Pennisetum glaucum) fields in north-west Mali. Descriptions of the triungulin larval stage, together with drawings of larval development from the first grub stage to the coarctate larval stage, are given for two Psalydolytta species, P. pilipes and P. vestita Dufour. First grub phase larvae were successfully reared through to coarctates from eggs obtained from field captured adult beetles, on egg-pods obtained from a selection of commonly occurring grasshopper species. Yield losses resulting from cage trial experiments showed that whole millet candles can be destroyed during one night's feeding at densities approaching 12 beetles per head.

Type
Original Articles
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 1994

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