Characterization of wheat (Triticum aestivum) plant infested by and identification of the African black beetle Heteronychus arator (Fabricius, 1775), a pest attacking wheat in Cameroon

• Authors: Tange Denis Achiri , Ambele Felicitas Chaba , Divine Nsobinenyui , Njualem Dominic Khumbah
• Languages of publication: EN

Abstracts

EN

In a study to investigate the growth and yield performance of wheat varieties, it was observed that some plants showed some leaf yellowing and overall stunted growth. Upon uprooting, some unidentified creamy white larvae were observed. A trial was later conducted to ascertain the extend of infestation by these larvae and eventually identify them using morphological measurements and pictorial comparisons. The study was conducted in the Research farm of the University of Bamenda, Cameroon in 2023. Results revealed that wheat plants infested by the weevil had many yellow leaves and dry old leaves. The roots were severely damaged and the plants did not produce spikes. The infested plants were easy to uproot. Larval and adult infestation rate were 35.0% and 12.5%, respectively. Larval and adult body length were 27.34 mm and 13.21 mm, respectively. The larva and adults were identified as the African Black Beetle ABB Heteronychus arator (Fabricius, 1775) (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae). Thus, the ABB is reported for the first time as a damaging pest of wheat in Cameroon. Morphological and pictorial identification of the ABB are supported by established keys. The current study ignites research need into management of ABB and its ecological interactions with biotic and abiotic factors.

Keywords

EN

Coleoptera; adult; body length; larva; morphology

Discipline

• AGRICULTURE: AGRICULTURE

• Publisher: Scientific Publishing House „DARWIN”
• Journal: World News of Natural Sciences
• Year: 2024
• Volume: 53
• Pages: 159-168

Contributors

author

Tange Denis Achiri

• Department of Agronomic and Applied Molecular Sciences, Faculty of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, University of Buea. P. O Box 63. Buea, Cameroon

author

Ambele Felicitas Chaba

• Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, University of Bamenda, P.O. Box 39. Bambili, NWR, Cameroon

author

Divine Nsobinenyui

• Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, University of Bamenda, P.O. Box 39. Bambili, NWR, Cameroon

author

Njualem Dominic Khumbah

• Department of Crop Production Technology, College of Technology, University of Bamenda, P.O. Box 39. Bambili, NWR, Cameroon

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• Document Type: article