Insect podborer infestations and their influence on developing pods and final seed yields by pigeonpea (Cajanus cajan) in Kenya.

Abstract

In Kenya, 8 species of insects were found to be common borers into the developing pods of pigeon pea (Cajanus cajan), feeding on the developing seeds and reducing seed yield. They were Heliothis armigera (Hb.), Maruca testulalis (Geyer), Pardasena virgulana (Mab.), Exelastis atomosa (Wlsm.), Lampides boeticus (L.), Euchrysops cnejus (F.) (Catochrysops cnejus), Melanagromyza obtusa (Mall.) and Etiella zinckenella (Treitschke). Of these, H. armigera, P. virgulana and M. obtusa were the most important. Seed yield losses due to insect podborers ranged from 25.7 to 62.7%.ADDITIONAL ABSTRACT:In trials in the 1976 long rains at Kabete and Katumani, pigeon pea seed yield losses due to insect pod borers (mainly Heliothis armigera, Pardasena virgulana and Melanagromyza obtusa) ranged from 25.7 to 62.7%