Description - African Cereal Stem B by Andrew Polaszek
A complex of about 20 moths belonging to the families Crambidae, Noctuidae and Pyralidae are the most damaging pests of cereals in many parts of Africa. The caterpillars bore into the stems of maize, sorghum, millet and rice, often killing the plant, and are commonly known as stem borers or stalk borers. The cereals attacked are the staple food for the population in most parts of Africa and are grown by smallholders to feed themselves and their families, which makes complex control measures, including the use of chemicals, inappropriate. This handbook sets out to provide fundamental information necessary for formulating integrated pest management against African cereal stem borers, in particular any natural enemy component. Firstly the economically important species are characterized regionally, including an introduction to their host plants, both wild and cultivated grasses. Then follows the largest section, on the taxonomy of the moths and their larvae, and of their natural enemies. For both the borers and their natual enemies, well-illustrated keys are provided for their recognition, and their distributions and hosts are listed in detail.
A summary of the various control measures currently in use and proposed, followed by a glossary, complete the book. A French language version of this handbook is in preparation in collaboration with CIRAD. It should be suitable for entomologists and crop protection advisers concerned with these insects or with cereal production in Africa.
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