Population Dynamics of Dysdercus volkeri F. (Heteroptera: Pyrrhocoridae) at Different Stages of Cotton Development in Northeastern Nigeria
NJE Vol. 40(2): 210-218, 2024
DOI.10.36108/NJE/4202/04.0261
1Dunuwel, D. M., 2Malgwi, A. M., 2Medugu, M. A. and 3Degri, M. M.
1Department of Horticultural Technology, Federal College of Horticulture Dadinkowa, Gombe State, Nigeria
2Department of Crop Protection, Faculty of Agriculture, Modibbo Adama University, Yola, Adamawa State, Nigeria
3Department of Agronomy, Faculty of Agriculture, Federal University of Kashere, Gombe State, Nigeria
Correspondence email: dunuweldanzariamusa@gmail.com ORCID: 0009-0004-4578-1354
Abstract
Two-location field trials were conducted at the Teaching and Research Farm of the Department of Crop Protection, Modibbo Adama University of Technology Yola and at the School Farm Government Girls Secondary School Kaltungo, Gombe state, in 2022 cropping season. The study was carried out to determine the population dynamics of Dysdercus volkeri at different stages of cotton development in North-Eastern Nigeria. The experiments were laid-out using randomize complete block design (RCBD) and the treatments consisting of five cotton varieties (SAMCOT 8, SAMCOT 9, SAMCOT 10, SAMCOT 11, SAMCOT 12) were replicated four (4) times. The week that had the highest population of D. volkeri in a combined analysis was 18 Weeks After Sowing (WAS), 66.30 in Yola and 16WAS, 20.70 in Kaltungo, per 10 cotton plants. The least population of the insect in both locations was obtained on 12WAS with 27.70 in Yola and 12WAS with 2.83 in Kaltungo, per 10 cotton plants. SAMCOT 10 had the highest population of the insect in both location with 54.71 and 32.70 (per 10 cotton plants) with the least on SAMCOT 11 and 12 with a population of 37.17 and 7.57 (per 10 cotton plants). Boll maturation stage supported the highest population of D. volkeri at Yola and Kaltungo with 89.23, the least at the beginning of boll formation 48.34 in both locations.
Keywords: Population; Cotton Stainer; Dynamics; Boll; Dysdercus volkeri.