The leaf miner (Coelaenomenodera elaeidis) is the major pest of the oil palm. Seasonality of C. elaeidis, its natural enemies and their relationship with temperature, rainfall and relative humidity were observed between January 2009 and December 2010 at the main station of the Nigerian Institute for Oil Palm Research. Leaf miner population estimates were obtained from NIFOR entomology division from 1976-1980. This study analyses temporal patterns in leaf miner abundance, and elucidates general patterns and factors influencing leaf miner abundance. Multiple linear regressions were used to analyse the relationship between abundance of leaf miner, its parasitoids and predators and the following climatic variables: maximum and minimum temperature (˚C), rainfall (mm) and relative humidity (%). Climate variables from the month of pest collection (control variable) or from the month before collection (delayed variable) were used. The abundance of leaf miner and predatory ants peaked in the dry season, while parasitoids were most abundant in the rainy season. Significant correlations (P ≤ 0.05) were found between leaf miner, its natural enemies and both control and delayed weather variables. For all years, maximum temperature was the most dominant for all the leaf miner stages. This indicates that the weather variables at both the month of collection and with a delayed month in relation to collection are critical for pest-weather evaluation and important for leaf miner control. Temperature, rainfall and relative humidity had an effect on the population of C. elaeidis, and this effect is manifested primarily in seasonal fluctuations in oil palm agroecosystems. Weather influenced the seasonal population dynamics of C. elaeidis, facilitating early season build-up on the oil palm host crop. Dry season months with resultant higher temperatures recorded higher population of C. elaeidis.

This datasheet on Rhynchophorus phoenicis covers Identity, Overview, Distribution, Dispersal, Hosts/Species Affected, Diagnosis, Biology & Ecology, Natural Enemies, Impacts, Uses, Prevention/Control, Further Information.

Insect pests can damage and affect the quality of the shea fruit in storage and this could threaten food security, self sufficiency and incomes. This paper describes approaches to assuring safety throughout the post-harvest storage value chain of the shea fruit. The study area, Niger State, Nigeria, was divided into zones (A-C) for effective coverage of storage warehouses. Selected warehouses were visited, observations conducted, shea fruits collected for laboratory analysis and the owners interviewed on processing and storage methods. The method used emphasized a participatory approach, facilitating greater local involvement in the collection of data that serves the purpose of gaining an insider's perspective. Direct observation of infrastructural facilities also assisted in validating information gained from respondents. Laboratory analysis were conducted on shea fruits for identification and quantification of storage insect pests from October 2014 to September 2015 at Nigerian Institute for Oil Palm Research (NIFOR), with temperatures fluctuating between 26°C-34°C and relative humidity from 52%-92%. As storage time increased, mites, chalcid ants, and weevils (Curculionidae) were observed. The shea fruits were observed to be mainly attacked by mites and beetles. October (25) and November (21) 2014 had the highest number of mites with fruits severely attacked, and with subsequent decrease observed. Shea fruits should be picked immediately as it matures, as fruits left in the fields for long periods become infested. During collection, it should be ensured that the fruits are not exposed to insect pests before they are properly bagged and removed. All infested shea fruits should be removed and separated immediately. Particular attention should be paid to cracks and gaps where insects may hide on the fruits. The fruits should be properly dried before storage to prevent germination and fungi attack. This study proffers improvement on indigenous storage systems to guarantee long term storage. Information provided will add value to improving insect pest management practices of the shea fruit, thereby leading to improved shea fruit quality.

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