Browsing by Author "Billah, M.K."

Now showing 1 - 20 of 34

Abundance of African invader fly, Bactrocera invadens drew, tsuruta and white (diptera: tephritidae) and influence of weather parameters on trap catches in mango in the Volta region of Ghana
(SpringerPlus, 2016-07) Adzim, C.A.; Billah, M.K.; Afreh-Nuamah, K.
The seasonal abundance of African Invader fly, Bactrocerainvadens and the influence of temperature and rainfall on fly catches was determined in two agro ecological zones; moist semi-deciduous forest area and the coastal grassland area of the Volta Region of Ghana for year of mango production. Traps containing methyl eugenol were used in monitoring the abundance of the Africa invader fly, Bactrocera invadens where data on both temperature and rainfall were collected from Meteorological Services of Ghana in Volta region. A total of 49,322 organisms captured, 45,829 were identified as Bactrocerainvadens and 3493 were non-fruit fly. There were significant differences (p < 0.05) in the number of Bactrocerainvadens captured between the agro ecological zones with relative fly densities of 5.06 F/T/D in moist semi deciduous forest area and 2.38 F/T/D in the coastal grassland zone. The result shows that climatic factors affected Bactrocerainvadens differently in different agro ecological area. There was negative correlation and highly significant (p < 0.001) correlation between fruit flies and temperature whereas there was negative correlation and high significant (p < 0.01) difference between rainfall in the moist semi deciduous forest area. In the coastal grassland area, there was negative correlation and highly significant (p < 0.001) between Bactrocerainvadens for both rainfall and temperature. Bactrocerainvadens activities peaked differently during the study period due to favourable climatic conditions. The activities of Bactrocerainvadens peaked during weeks 7 and 29 in the moist semi deciduous forest area while their activities peaked during weeks 3 and 24 for the coastal grassland areas. Both agro ecological zones recorded the presence of Bactrocerainvadens, their number and proportion varied considerably with associated effects of the weather parameters on their abundance. The effect of weather parameters on the abundance of bactrocera invadens requires the development of degree day models to manage them. © 2016, The Author(s).
Assessment of Fruit Fly (Diptera: Tephritidae) Infestation Levels on Citrus in Abura Asebu Kwamankese District, Ghana
(African Entomology, 2017-09) Bawa, S.A.; Ofori, E.S.K.; Yawson, G.; Billah, M.K.; Nuamah, K.A.
Citrus spp. (Rutaceae), is a major cash crop inGhana and is cultivated in the semi-deciduous for-est zone, which covers parts of the Ashanti,Brong-Ahafo, Eastern, Western, Central and Voltaregions of the country (Anno-Nyarko 1998). Cur-rent production as at 2013 is estimated at over700 000 t annually (FAO 2013). One of the majorthreats to the citrus industry is fruit fly infestation.Fruit flies (Diptera: Tephritidae) are among themost important insect pests of fruits, especiallymangoes (Lux et al. 2003; Vayssières et al. 2008;Ekesi et al. 2009). Female fruit flies lay eggs underthe skin of the fruit, which hatch into larvae thatfeed in the decaying flesh of the crop. Infestedfruits quickly rot and become inedible or drop onthe ground, thus causing direct loss to the farmer.Besides the direct damage to the fruit, indirect lossis associated with quarantine restrictions that areimposed by fruits and vegetable importing coun-tries.
Basic Developmental Characteristics of the Fall Armyworm, Spodoptera frugiperda (J.E. Smith) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae), Reared under Laboratory Conditions
(Psyche: A Journal of Entomology, 2023) Marri, D.; Mensah, S.A.; Kotey, D.A.; Abraham, J.; Billah, M.K.; Osae, M.
Te life cycle of the invasive alien insect pest, fall armyworm (FAW), Spodoptera frugiperda (J.E. Smith), was studied using a colony established from feld-collected larvae. Eggs, neonate larvae, and newly emerged adult moths were used in experiments to investigate the basic biology of the FAW. Adult females laid up to 1184 eggs with a mean of 469 ± 22 eggs per female. Te incubation period of eggs and percentage hatchability were 2-3 days and 80–87%, respectively. Te mean larval lengths from the frst to the sixth instar were 4.63, 6.60, 9.76, 15.86, 25.13, and 27.81 mm, respectively. Te mean larval weights were 0.003, 0.019, 0.045, 0.050, 0.060, and 0.067 g, respectively, for the six instars. Te mean width of the head capsule of the sixth instar larva was 2.76 mm. Te total larval duration throughout the six instar stages was 16–18 days, while the mean pupal weight was 0.25 ± 0.001 g and 0.35 ± 0.011 g for males and females, respectively. Te mean pupal length was 14.3 ± 0.16 mm for males and 17.2 ± 0.14 mm for females. Pupal duration ranged from 8 to 14 days, with a mean of 10.35 ± 0.26 days, while the pupal emergence rate ranged from 60 to 94%, with a mean of 80.25 ± 1.28%. Te life cycle of males lasted 33–44 days and that of females lasted 36–49 days under laboratory conditions. Adult copulation occurred between 8 and 11 pm, with the peak occurring at 9 pm. Tis study provides baseline information about the biology of the FAW. Apart from being an important reference point for future research on the FAW, the data provided would aid FAW management decision-making.
Comparative susceptibility of Adult Africa Invader fly, Bactrocera invadens (Diptera: Tephritidae) to some selected insecticides
(Journal of Agricultural Science, 2012) Abdullahi, G.; Sule, H.; Obeng-Ofori, D.; Afreh-Nuamah, K.; Billah, M.K.
With the recent introduction of B. invadens in Africa and its devastating role in crop production, especially mango, with currently no registered insecticides for use against this fly in Ghana, the susceptibility of the fly to four commercially available insecticidal products namely, Cydim Super, Pyrinex 48 EC, Diazol 50 EW and Deltapaz was evaluated in the laboratory. The bioassay was conducted using three (3) different doses of each insecticidal product, by dipping 4x4 cm hardboard panels into the respective doses. Susceptibility of the flies to insecticides were assessed on freshly treated panels, 3-day-old and 6-day-old treated panels in some ventilated transparent bottles of 1 litre capacity. Adult flies aged between 4-12 days were used for the bioassays. The bioassay results indicated that the adult flies were more susceptible to Diazol (Diazinon) (LC50 = 0.6 ml/L; LC90 = 1.3 ml/L) and Pyrinex (Chlorpyrifos) (LC50 = 0.8 ml/L; LC90 =1.0 ml/L), and hence gave the least LT50 and LT90 times. Least susceptibility was recorded with Deltapaz (Deltamethrin) (LC50 = 3.1 ml/L; LC90 = 5.2 ml/L). It could be concluded that the control of B. invadens can be achieved more effectively by the use Pyrinex (Chlorpyrifos) and Diazol (Diazinon). The use of Pyrinex appears to be more economical to the resource poor farmers as it had least LC90 of 1.0 ml/L compared to 1.3 ml/L for Diazol in 30 min.
Comparison of five allopatric fruit fly parasitoid populations (Psyttalia species) (Hymenoptera: Braconidae) from coffee fields using morphometric and molecular methods
(Bulletin of Entomological Research 98 (1): 63-75, 2008) Billah, M.K.; Kimani-Njogu, S.W.; Wharton, R. A.; Woolley, J.B.; Masiga, D.
Morphometric studies of five allopatric parasitoid populations (genus Psyttalia Walker) from coffee plantations in Cameroon (Nkolbisson), Ghana (Tafo) and Kenya (Rurima, Ruiru and Shimba Hills) and one non-coffee population (from Muhaka, Kenya) were compared with individuals of Psyttalia concolor (Szepligeti), a species released in several biological control programmes in the Mediterranean Region since the 20th Century. Analyses of wing vein measurements showed the second submarginal cell of the fore wing and its adjoining veins had the heaviest principal component weights and served as the main contributing variables in the diagnostic differentiation of the populations. Two populations (Rurima and Ruiru) were found to be the closest to each other and with the strongest phenetic affinity toward P. concolor (and forming one cluster). Populations from Shimba Hills (of unknown identity), Nkolbisson (P. perproximus (Silvestri)) and Tafo formed a second cluster and were separated from P. concolor. Comparison using amplified fragment length polymorphism (AFLP) also showed the Shimba, Nkolbisson and Tafo populations forming a cluster in a dendrogram generated from their genetic distances, with the Shimba and Tafo populations placed as the most closely related species. Based on consistent morphological similarities, morphometric and ecological data coupled with the genetic evidence from AFLP data, the Shimba population is suggested as belonging to the P. perproximus group and, thus, represents a new occurrence record in Kenya. Our results also support earlier conclusion from cross mating data that populations from Rurima and Ruiru belong to the Psyttalia concolor species-group.
Cross mating studies among five fruit fly parasitoid populations: Potential biological control implications for tephritid pests
(BioControl, 2008-10) Billah, M.K.; Kimani-Njogu, S.W.; Wharton, R.A.; Overholt, W.A.; Wilson, D.D.; Cobblah, M.A.
The reproductive compatibility between four different species/populations of the tephritid parasitoid Psyttalia (Walker) species from Kenya and individuals of the morphologically identical Psyttalia concolor (Szépligeti) (Hymenoptera: Braconidae) from a laboratory culture in Italy used in augmentative biological control of olive fly, Bactrocera oleae (Gmelin) (Diptera: Tephritidae) was assessed through cross mating tests using single-pair and group mating methods. Reciprocal crosses among the species resulted in the production of viable offsprings up to the second generation. In spite of the successful production of viable offspring in the laboratory, Psyttalia species are known to have specific host fruit and/or host fly preferences and populations/species may be isolated in one way or the other. However, it is not known whether these populations/species interbreed in the field. We discuss the ability of these parasitoids to interbreed and the potential effects of that on their use as biological control agents, especially in environments where other closely related species are present or in situations where multiple parasitoid introductions are intended. © 2007 International Organization for Biological Control (IOBC).
Cross mating studies of Psyttalia species (Hymenoptera: Braconidae): Potential implications for biological control of tephritid pests
(BioControl 53 (5): 709-724, 2008) Billah, M.K.; Kimani-Njogu, S.W.; Overholt, W.A.; Wharton, R. A.; Wilson, D.D.; Cobblah, M.A.
The reproductive compatibility between four different species/populations of the tephritid parasitoid Psyttalia (Walker) species from Kenya and individuals of the morphologically identical Psyttalia concolor (Szépligeti) (Hymenoptera: Braconidae) from a laboratory culture in Italy used in augmentative biological control of olive fly, Bactrocera oleae (Gmelin) (Diptera: Tephritidae) was assessed through cross mating tests using single-pair and group mating methods. Reciprocal crosses among the species resulted in the production of viable offsprings up to the second generation. In spite of the successful production of viable offspring in the laboratory, Psyttalia species are known to have specific host fruit and/or host fly preferences and populations/species may be isolated in one way or the other. However, it is not known whether these populations/species interbreed in the field. We discuss the ability of these parasitoids to interbreed and the potential effects of that on their use as biological control agents, especially in environments where other closely related species are present or in situations where multiple parasitoid introductions are intended.
Diversity of fruit flies and mealybugs in the Upper-West Region of Ghana
(Journal of Developments in Sustainable Agriculture, 2012) Wih, K.; Billah, M.K.
Mango (Mangifera indica L.), a member of the family Anarcardiaceae, is one of the most common fruits in Ghana and could easily be cultivated in the northern part of the country. Mango production, however, has been threatened by insect and disease problems since commercial-scale production started in the Upper West Region. Asian fruit flies of the genus Bactrocera are destructive pests of fruits and vegetables worldwide, but little information has been obtained on their prevalence and diversity in the region since the first formal detection of Bactrocera invadens in 2005. Systematic trapping and host-fruit surveys conducted in 2007 confirmed the presence B. invadens in the region. We examined the diversity of fruit flies and mealybugs that have been observed to be major threats to mango and other crops in the Upper West Region. Nine fruit fly species (B. invadens, Ceratitis ditissima, Ceratitis anonae, Ceratitis bremii, Ceratitis cosyra, Ceratitis capitata, Ceratitis rosa, Dacus bivittatus and Dacus vertebratus and four mealybug species (Pseudococcus longispinus, Paracoccus marginatus, Rastrococcus invadens and Icerya sp.) were identified during the survey. While mango was dominated by R. invadens, the ornamental plants were mostly affected by Icerya sp., papaw by P. marginatus, and Jatropha species infested by P. longispinus. The mealybug species were fairly common in the region. In certain cases, other pest species such as aphids and whiteflies were found in close association (in complex mixtures) with the mealybugs.
The effect of fruit fly larval density on some quality parameters of mango
(Journal of Animal & Plant Sciences, 2011) Akoto, S.H.; Billah, M.K.; Afreh-Nuamah, K.; Owusu, E.O.
Three varieties of mango, Jaffna, Palmer and Kent were infested with different first instar larval densities (10, 20 and 30) of the invasive fruit fly species, Bactrocera invadens Drew, Tsuruta & White. This was to determine the effect of each of the densities on three fruit quality parameters. The parameters included Total Soluble Solids (TSS), Percentage Titratable Acidity (% T.A.) and pH, of which TSS and pH showed decreasing trends while % T.A. showed an increasing trend with time. In the controlled treatments where fruits were either held intact or punctured but with no introduction of larvae, there was an increase in pH and TSS and a decrease in %T.A.. The shelf-life, which was taken as the period from the first day of treatment till signs of damage were observed, saw the three varieties infested with 10 larvae lasting up to 6 days, while fruits infested with 20 and 30 larvae lasted for 3 days. The shelf life of the controlled treatments for all the varieties lasted till the 15th day. The presence of fruit fly larvae in fruits causes a number of changes in internal quality parameters such as the TSS, pH, % T.A. and the internal damage area. While pH and TSS decreased with storage time, % T.A. increased with storage time compared with the controlled fruits. Total damage area of fruits was also increased with increase number of larvae introduced. pH, TSS and % T.A. of Jaffna and Kent on the 3rd day of storage were almost the same as their control treatments. Despite the differences, the presence of fruit fly larvae in fruits (irrespective of number), will have negative impact on the internal quality parameters after the 3rd day of storage and reduce the market (export and locally) value of the fruits.
The effect of fruit fly larval density on some quality parameters of mango
(2011) Akoto, S.H.; Billah, M.K.; Afreh-Nuamah, K.; Owusu, E.O.
Three varieties of mango, Jaffna, Palmer and Kent were infested with different first instar larval densities (10, 20 and 30) of the invasive fruit fly species, Bactrocera invadens Drew, Tsuruta & White. This was to determine the effect of each of the densities on three fruit quality parameters. The parameters included Total Soluble Solids (TSS), Percentage Titratable Acidity (% T.A.) and pH, of which TSS and pH showed decreasing trends while % T.A. showed an increasing trend with time. In the controlled treatments where fruits were either held intact or punctured but with no introduction of larvae, there was an increase in pH and TSS and a decrease in %T.A.. The shelf-life, which was taken as the period from the first day of treatment till signs of damage were observed, saw the three varieties infested with 10 larvae lasting up to 6 days, while fruits infested with 20 and 30 larvae lasted for 3 days. The shelf life of the controlled treatments for all the varieties lasted till the 15th day. The presence of fruit fly larvae in fruits causes a number of changes in internal quality parameters such as the TSS, pH, % T.A. and the internal damage area. While pH and TSS decreased with storage time, % T.A. increased with storage time compared with the controlled fruits. Total damage area of fruits was also increased with increased number of larvae introduced. PH, TSS and % T.A. of Jaffna and Kent on the 3rd day of storage were almost the same as their control treatments. Despite the differences, the presence of fruit fly larvae in fruits (irrespective of number), will have negative impact on the internal quality parameters after the 3rd day of storage and reduce the market (export and locally) value of the fruits
The effect of host larvae on three Psyttalia species (Hymenoptera: Braconidae), parasitoids of fruit-infesting flies (Diptera: Tephritidae)
(International Journal of Tropical Insect Science, 2005-09) Billah, M.K.; Kimani-Njogu, S.; Overholt, W.A.; Wharton, R.A.; Wilson, D.D.; Cobblah, M.A.
Three species of fruit fly parasitoids, Psyttalia concolor (Szépligeti), Psyttalia cosyrae (Wilkinson) and Psyttalia lounsburyi (Silvestri) (Hymenoptera: Braconidae) were reared on different host larvae to determine the effects of host species, size and colour on parasitoid development. Ovipositor, ovipositor sheath and hind tibia lengths were found to be different for progenies from preferred and non-preferred host larvae. Ratios of ovipositor-tibia and ovipositor sheath-tibia showed no difference when P. concolor was reared on a bigger host (Ceratitis cosyra (Walker) (Diptera: Tephritidae), whereas rearing P. cosyrae on a smaller host (C. capitata (Wiedemann) showed significant differences. Comparison of the linear measurements, ratios and number of flagellomeres of parasitoids reared on preferred hosts, separated the species into their natural groupings. When reared on a different-coloured host, P. lounsburyi lost its dark markings but other characters remained unchanged. Morphometric analysis also indicated differences between parasitoids reared on preferred host larvae and those reared on non-preferred host larvae. Rearing parasitoids on larvae other than their preferred hosts resulted in colour and size changes, and thus, these characters alone were not reliable for the identification of parasitoids. This is especially important in post-release sampling surveys to ascertain establishment of the parasitoids in new environments where they may adapt to new host species. © ICIPE 2005.
Efficacy of selected biopesticides on key pests of chilli pepper for increased productivity in Ghana
(Crop Protection, 2024) Adom, M.; Fening, K.O.; Billah, M.K.; et al.
Chilli pepper is an important food and cash crop in Ghana. Unfortunately, production and marketing are con strained by many insect pests. In this study, the efficacy of five different biopesticides: Neemazal® (Azadirachtin 0.3% w/w EC), Agro blaster® (Pyrethrin I and II 1% w/w), Bypel 1® (Pieris rapae 10000PIB/mg + Bacillus thuringiensis 16000 IU/mg), Cryptogran® (Cryptophlebia leucotreta Granulovirus ≥ 5.1010 OBs/ml) and Attack® (Emamectin benzoate 1.9% w/w EC) were assessed against the major insect pests of chilli pepper. These pests included the false codling moth (FCM), thrips, whiteflies and fruit flies. The study was conducted during the minor and major cropping seasons of 2019 and 2020, respectively, using RCBD plot design in two locations (Legon and Begoro) in southern Ghana. All five tested biopesticides reduced the infestation of the target insect pests. Neemazal® and Attack® were more efficacious than the other three biopesticides in controlling FCM. For fruit flies, the infestation in Neemazal® and Attack® treated plots varied between 0.69 ± 0.60 to 12.84 ± 0.91% and 1.40 ± 0.69 to 9.72 ± 1.27%, respectively against 3.82 ± 0.67 to 21.87 ± 2.14% in control plots. Nee mazal®, Bypel 1® and Attack® significantly reduced thrips population compared to other biopesticides. Apart from Neemazal® and Attack®, Agro blaster® also reduced whiteflies population compared to control plots. The highest yields were recorded in Neemazal® (3.17 ± 0.33 to 4.35 ± 0.22 t/ha) and Attack® (3.05 ± 0.21 to 4.55 ± 0.25 t/ha) treated plots against 2.12 ± 0.31 to 3.06 ± 0.37 t/ha in the control. Therefore, these two bio pesticides are promising and could be used as part of integrated pest management (IPM) against chilli pepper insect pests in Ghana.
Evidence of competitive displacement of the mango fruit fly, Ceratitis cosyra by the invasive fruit fly, Bactrocera invadens (Diptera: Tephritidae) on mango and mechanisms contributing to the displacement
(Journal of Economic Entomology, 2009) Ekesi, S.; Billah, M.K.; Nderitu, P.W.; Lux, S.A.; Rwomushana, I.
Bactrocera invadens Drew, Tsuruta & White (Diptera: Tephritidae) invaded Kenya in 2003. Before the arrival of B. invadens, the indigenous fruit fly species Ceratitis cosyra (Walker) was the predominant fruit fly pest of mango (Mangifera indica L.). Within 4 yr of invasion, B. invadens has displaced C. cosyra and has become the predominant fruit fly pest of mango, constituting 98 and 88% of the total population in traps and mango fruit at Nguruman, respectively. We tested two possible mechanisms responsible for the displacement namely; resource competition by larvae within mango fruit and aggression between adult flies. Under inter-specific competition, larval duration in B. invadens was significantly shorter (6.2 ± 0.6-7.3 ± 0.3 d) compared with C. cosyra (8.0 ± 1.2-9.4 ± 0.4 d). Pupal mass in C. cosyra was affected by competition and was significantly reduced (7.4 ± 0.3-9.6 ± 0.6 mg) under competitive interaction compared with the controls (12.1 ± 1.5-12.8 ± 1.1 mg). Inter-specific competition also had a significant adverse effect on C. cosyra eclosion, with fewer adults emerging under co-infestation compared with the controls. Interference competition through aggressive behavior showed that fewer C. cosyra (3.1 ± 0.8) landed on mango dome compared with the controls (14.2 ± 1.5) when adults were mixed with B. invadens adults in Plexiglas cages. Similarly the number of times C. cosyra was observed ovipositing, was significantly lower (0.2 ± 0.2) under competitive interaction compared with the controls (6.1 ± 1.8). Aggressive encounters in the form of lunging/ head-butting and chasing off other species from the mango dome was higher for B. invadens compared with C. cosyra. Our results suggest that exploitative competition through larval scrambling for resources and interference competition through aggressive behaviors of the invader are important mechanisms contributing to the displacement of C. cosyra by B. invadens in mango agro-ecosystems
A Field Guide to the Management of Economically Important Tephritid Fruit Flies in Africa
(ICIPE Science Press, 163p, 2009) Billah, M.K.; Ekesi, S.
A Field Guide to the Management of Economically Important Tephritid Fruit Flies in Africa, edited by Ekesi, S. and Billah, M.K. In: Handling, packaging and shipment of Specimens
(ICIPE Science Press, G1-13, 2009) Billah, M.K.
A Field Guide to the Management of Economically Important Tephritid Fruit Flies in Africa, Ekesi, S. and Billah, M. K. In: Fruit fly taxonomy and identification
(ICIPE Science Press, H1-19, 2009) Billah, M.K.; Mansell, M.W.; De Meyer, M.; Goergen, G.
First report and population dynamics of the Tobacco Thrips, Thrips parvispinus (Karny) (Thysanoptera: Thripidae) on ridged gourd, Luffa acutangula (L.) Roxy in selected export fields in southern Ghana
(Journal of Agriculture and Rural Development in the Tropics and Subtropics, 2022) Fening, K.O.; Billah, M.K.; Amouzou, K.; et al.
Thrips attack several crops, causing considerable economic damage. To prevent this damage, sticky traps can be used to monitor their population for the timely execution of management interventions. Ridged gourd or turia (Luffa) acutangula (L.) Roxy is an important Asian vegetable exported regularly to the European Union market from Ghana. However, this vegetable has been intercepted several times at the point of entry because of thrips infestation. The current study is aimed at identifying and monitoring thrips population on turia using blue and yellow sticky traps in six export vegetable production sites in Ghana for two consecutive seasons and three trapping periods. The results showed that Thrips parvispinus (Karny) (Thysanoptera: Thripidae) was the commonest and only species of thrips found attacking turia. The highest and lowest mean number of thrips were recorded from the blue and yellow sticky traps during the dry and the late part of the major rainy seasons, respectively. Thrips population build-up was observed to reach its peak at the flowering stage of the crop. This is the first report of T. parvispinus in Ghana. The implications of this Findings on the export of turia to the EU market have been discussed.
Laboratory evaluation of the susceptibility of adult Africa Invader Fly, Bactrocera invadens (Diptera: Tephritidae) To NuLure-based bait of some selected insecticides commonly used by mango farmers in Ghana
(Global Journal of Science Frontier Research, 2011) Abdullahi, G.; Obeng-Ofori, D.; Afreh-Nuamah, K.; Billah, M.K.
True fruit flies are one of the world’s worst pests of fruit and fruiting vegetables, causing millions of dollars worth of damage each year. While Africa has a number of native fruit flies of its own, some exotic species present in some continents has in recent years raised some serious biosecurity concerns among local experts. Bactrocera invadens is one of the exotic fruit flies that recently invaded Africa. Evidence of competitive displacement of indigent fruit flies in some mango agro ecosystem by this species has been recently documented. Effective control of these fruit flies can best be achieved through an IPM based control programme which will involve the use of bait in traps or spot treatments. However, no fruit flies bait is currently registered and is available on Ghanaian market for use in the management of this species by the farmers. The use of some readily available insecticidal products namely Cydim Super, Pyrinex 50 EC, Diazol 50 EW and Deltapaz as killing agents in the commercially available food bait Nulure was evaluated in the laboratory to ascertain their efficacy. The result show that Pyrinex and Diazol based bait were the most effective bait that can be used for the management of fruit flies in Ghana.
Laboratory Evaluation of The Susceptibility of Adult African Invader Fly Bactrocera Invadens (Diptera : Tephritidae) To Nulure-Based Bait of Some Selected Insecticides Commonly Used By Mango Farmers In Ghana
(Global Journals Inc. (USA), 2011) Abdullahi, G.; Obeng-Ofori, D.; Afreh-Nuamah, K.; Billah, M.K.
True fruit flies are one of the world’s worst pests of fruit and fruiting vegetables, causing millions of dollars worth of damage each year. While Africa has a number of native fruit flies of its own, some exotic species present in some continents has in recent years raised some serious biosecurity concerns among local experts. Bactrocera invadens is one of the exotic fruit flies that recently invaded Africa. Evidence of competitive displacement of indigent fruit flies in some mango agro ecosystem by this species has been recently documented. Effective control of this fruit flies can best be achieved through an IPM based control programme which will involve the use of bait in traps or spot treatments. However, no fruit flies bait is currently registered and is available on Ghanaian market for use in the management of this species by the farmers. The use of some readily available insecticidal products namely Cydim Super, Pyrinex 50 EC, Diazol 50 EW and Deltapaz as killing agents in the commercially available food bait Nulure was evaluated in the laboratory to ascertain their efficacy. The result show that Pyrinex and Diazol based bait were the most effective bait that can be used for the management of fruit flies in Ghana.
Morphometric Diagnosis of Glossina Palpalis (Diptera: Glossinidae) Population Structure in Ghana
(BMC Research Notes, 2017-12) Ebhodaghe, F.; Billah, M.K.; Adabie-Gomez, D.; Yahaya, A.
Objective This study aimed to identify isolated population(s) of Glossina palpalis in Ghana using geometric morphometrics to evaluate variations in wing-shape and size between populations of the fly from three regions. Results Wing shape of G. palpalis tsetse flies from the Northern, Western and Eastern Regions varied significantly between each other. Populations from the Northern and Western Regions varied the most (Mahalanobis Distance = 54.20). The least variation was noticed between populations from the Western and Eastern Regions (MD = 1.99). On morphospace, the Northern population clearly separated from the Eastern and Western populations both of which overlapped. Wing centroid size also significantly varied among populations. Reclassification scores were satisfactory reaching 100% for the Northern population. The Northern population of G. palpalis is possibly isolated from the Western and Eastern Region populations. Meanwhile, a panmictic relationship could be on-going between the Western and Eastern populations. We speculate that geographical distance and subspecific difference between populations are among factors responsible for observed pattern of wing shape variations among the studied populations. The implications of results regarding choice of control strategy and limitations of the study are discussed.