Field studies on the susceptibility of six plantain cultivars to infestation by the banana weevil, Cosmopolites sordidus Germar (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) in Ghana

Abstract

Field studies were used to identify plantain cultivars that were less susceptible to infestation by the banana weevil Cosmopolites sordidus Germar (Coleoptera: Curculionidae). Six plantain cultivars, Osoboaso, Borodewuio, Apantu-pa, Asamienu, Agbagba and Obino L'Ewai, were evaluated between October 1997 and September 1998. The results indicated that all the cultivars were susceptible to weevil damage in weevil oviposition, egg hatchability, and larval growth and development. Weevil population was not significantly different among the cultivars, but differences in the corm damage were significant. Agbagba and Borodewuio were significantly more susceptible to borer attack than Obino L'Ewai and Osoboaso, Asamienu and Apantu-pa were intermediate in their susceptibility to borer attack. Cultivating Obino L'Ewai, Osoboaso, Asamienu and Apantu-pa, using good management practices, may increase plantain yields and enhance the sustainability of plantain production in Ghana.