Fall armyworm (FAW, Spodoptera frugiperda J.E. Smith) is an invasive lepidopteran pest established in most of sub-Saharan Africa since 2016. Although the immediate reaction governments has been to invest chemical pesticides, control methods based on agronomic management would be more affordable resource-constrained smallholders and minimize risks for health environment. However, little known about effective practices that could FAW under typical African smallholder conditions. In addition,...

Fall armyworm (FAW), Spodoptera frugiperda, is threatening food security in Africa and thus sustainable management strategies are required. The pest has spread to over 44 countries since its first detection 2016, causing maize yield losses valued at between US$2,531 US$6,312 million per annum. Owing FAW's damaging potential, many untested strategies, including those of doubtful efficacy, being used by smallholder farmers Africa. We analysed existing emerging FAW on the continent. Research...

The effectiveness of maize seed treatments for management fall armyworm (FAW) (Spodoptera frugiperda) was evaluated under natural infestation conditions in Zambia 2019, 2020 and 2022. Two were tested: cyantraniliprole (Fortenza® 600 FS) + thiamethoxam (Cruiser® (combination marketed as Fortenza® Duo) FS. Other included each the two supplemented with threshold-based rotational sprays Denim Fit® 50 WG (emamectin benzoate lufenuron) Ampligo® (chlorantraniliprole lambda cyhalothrin), Fit/Ampligo...

Insecticide resistance in major malaria vectors poses severe challenges for stakeholders responsible controlling the disease. During 2013/14 season, vector sentinel sites Mutare and Mutasa Districts, Zimbabwe, experienced high presence of gravid mosquitoes resting indoors recently pyrethroid-sprayed structures. Subsequently, an evaluation insecticide Anopheles funestus populations, vector, was conducted to better inform Zimbabwe National Malaria Control Programme. Indoor-resting were...

Biting behaviour of Anopheles funestus in Mutare and Mutasa districts, Zimbabwe, is little understood. An investigation was conducted to primarily compare indoor outdoor biting the mosquito, as well blood meal sources sporozoite rates.Monthly adult anopheline sampling from October 2013 September 2014 using Centers for Disease Control light-traps, pyrethrum spray catch artificial pit shelter methods. Mosquitoes sampled by light-traps were divided into two cohorts. In one cohort, traps left...

Regular entomological monitoring is important to determine changes in mosquito species composition and relative densities of malaria vectors relation vector control interventions. A study gain insights into abundance was undertaken Mutare Mutasa districts, Zimbabwe. Two methods; indoor resting catches larval sampling were used collect adults larvae from May 2013 April 2014. Mosquitoes collected as reared that identified morphologically potential further processed sibling by polymerase chain...

Tsetse (Glossina sensu stricto) are cyclical vectors of human and animal trypanosomoses, that presently targeted by the Pan African Trypanosomiasis Eradication Campaign (PATTEC) coordinated Union. In order to achieve effective control tsetse, there is need produce elaborate plans guide intervention programmes. A model intended aid in planning programmes assist a fuller understanding tsetse distribution was applied, pilot study Masoka area, Mid-Zambezi valley Zimbabwe, targeting two savannah...

A study was conducted to investigate the current resting behavior of malaria vectors in Mutare and Mutasa districts, Zimbabwe. Mosquitoes were captured using pyrethrum spray collection, prokopac aspirator, pit shelter, exit trap methods. sorted identified morphological key polymerase chain reaction (PCR) techniques. The Anopheles funestus group constituted 97%, whereas gambiae complex mosquitoes few (3%). Endophilic collections both species five times greater than exophilic catches....

The tachinid larval parasitoid Sturmiopsis parasitica (Curran) has a wide distribution in eastern, southern and West Africa where it attacks several species of cereal stemborers. Its development on Busseola fusca Fuller (four populations), Chilo partellus (Swinhoe) Sesamia calamistis Hampson was evaluated Zimbabwe the laboratory. parasitoid's larviposition patterns ways to induce its early emergence from diapausing host larvae inside which overwinters were also studied. Irrespective...

The development of Sturmiopsis parasitica (Curran) (Diptera: Tachinidae) and levels parasitism its hosts, Busseola fusca Fuller, Sesamia calamistis Hampson (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae), Chilo partellus (Swinhoe) Crambidae), were studied. highest rates 83.3 15% B. C. partellus, respectively. No occurred on S. due to maggot encapsulation. At 25 ± 0.5°C, larval nondiapausing larvae took 14.2 d (range 10–34) the pupal period 13.7 for males 15.8 females. Adult females that developed smaller than...

The tobacco aphid, Myzus persicae nicotianae is an economically important pest of tobacco. Damage through direct injury by sucking sap infested plants as well reduction the quality leaf leaving honey-dew which encourages subsequent growth sooty-mould. In addition to this, aphids also transmit virus diseases such bushy-top virus, alfalfa mosaic and potato virus-Y. Before 2002, main colour form aphid in Zimbabwe was green. However, during 2003/2004 season, concerns were raised where red forms...