Alien insect species affecting agriculture and natural resources in Sudan

Abstract

Agricultural crops in Sudan are usually attacked by different local pests at variable levels based on the prevailing climatic and ecological conditions. However, with the modernization of agriculture coupled with the rapid movement of global trade during the last decades, new species of insects were accidentally introduced to the country. Unfortunately, most of these insects are potentially harmful species, hence imposing serious threats to agriculture and/or natural resources. This paper sheds light on the important established alien insect species, their original homes and the main host plants affected. More than twenty five species believed to be exotic were listed, and brief accounts were given on important ones. They include devastating pests on field and horticultural crops, store products and natural flora, among which are species of stemborers, bollworms, leafminers, fruitflies, scale insects, beetles and others. The paper stressed the steady increase in the frequency of introductions as a consequence of trade globalization, and warned from the entry of some new invasive species in the near future. Finally, the paper emphasizes the importance of cooperation in combating alien pests, particularly through biological approach, and asks for upgrading of quarantine measures in our countries so as to keep pace with the accelerating world trade.

Control and Management of Tomato Leafminer -Tuta Absoluta (Meyrick) (Lepidotera, Gelechiidae).A Review

“…T. absoluta is a species of moth in family Gelechiidae known by the common names tomato leaf miner, South American tomato moth, tomato borer or South American tomato pinworm [2,11]. It predominantly found in areas below 1000 m above sea level.…”

Globalization and Pest Control: Equipping Nigerian Entomologists for Global Impact.

“…In a survey of arthropod community associated with agricultural areas on the Santa Cruz Island, Equador, 76 out of the 160 species collected were introduced (Oquendo, 2002). The list of alien insect species impacting agriculture and natural resources in Sudan is contained in the publication by Satti (2011). Discovery of a new insect species from an average of 54 maritime cargo inspections and the interception of Trogodermagranarium Everts, a serious pest of stored produce, 559 times at ports of entry in the United States of America between 1985 and 20 10 amply demonstrates threats posed by IAS (Clavero and Garcia-Berthou, 2005;Work et al, 2005).…”

Bioassay of Efficacy of Five Isolates of Bacillus Thuringiensis Ssp. Kurstaki Against Larvae of the Spotted Bollworm (Erias Vittella) on Okra [Abelmoschus Esculentus L. (Moench)]

“…The first report on the incidence of this species in East Africa was published in 1986 1 . An incidence of >85% infestation was recorded by E. vittella on autumn okra in Khartoum area 2,3 , reflecting how deleterious effect this pest imposed on the production of this vital and staple vegetable crop 4 . Larvae of the spotted bollworm bore into terminal shoots of young plants, flower buds and young bolls, leading to death of shoots and shedding of flower buds and bolls 5 .…”