Pest management strategies for Prostephanus truncatus (Horn) (Coleoptera; Bostrichidae) as a pest of stored maize grain: Present status and prospects

Abstract

Pragmatic thresholds for control actions against pests of farm‐stored maize in Africa have been exceeded following the recent introduction of Prostephanus truncatus. Current control programmes, based largely upon insecticide admixture with shelled grain, are achieving some success but the development of cost‐effective, fully integrated pest‐management programmes, that can be maintained in the long‐term, requires further research in the following areas: infestation sources and dispersal; agro‐climatic factors affecting pest status; socio‐economic factors affecting the long‐term cost‐effectiveness of control programmes; and alternative measures, including physical and biological control strategies as well as alternative grain protectants and application techniques. Specific objectives, within these areas, are indicated and discussed against the background of existing knowledge and current concepts of stored‐product insect control. In conclusion, interacting factors for research and analysis are drawn together in a synoptic chart and key issues are identified.

Keywords:

• Prostephanus truncatus
• Larger Grain Borer
• Africa; maize
• on‐farm storage
• control thresholds
• pest management