Investigations on biology and host plants of the pentatomid sorghum bug (Agonoscelis pubescens (Thunb.)) in Sudan

Hashim Ahmed El-Massad, Abdalla Abdelrahim Satti and Zuhair Alfadel Alabjar

Environment and Natural Resources Research Institute (ENRRI), National Centre for Research, Khartoum, Sudan.

*Corresponding Author Email: apbc.92@gmail.com

Accepted 18 June, 2012

Among the major national pests in Sudan, sorghum bug (Agonoscelis pubescens) represents a big threat to sorghum (Sorghum bicolor) production in central rain fed belt north of latitude 11°N. The pest enters a resting period from November to July, and resumes activities with the onset of the rainy season (August-October). In spite of the intensive chemical control directed annually to the resting adults, the pest almost keeps the same trend every year. Therefore, this research aimed to through light on certain aspects of the insect’s biology and host plants, which may lead to find out ecological means of control. The results showed that the first generation of A. pubescens produced directly after resting period was significantly weaker than the last generation that attacks the crop, as with respect to fertility, egg hatchability, and development. This revealed the critical role of the first generation in subsequent pest multiplication and crop damage. Moreover, the distribution areas, resting sites and preferred hosts utilized for resting or feeding purposes were indicated. The area lies east of the Blue Nile River ranked first in infestation level, followed by Darfur and lastly Kordofan States. The findings obtained were considered as important baseline data for ecological management.

Keywords: Agonoscelis pubescens; sorghum; resting sites; host preference; Sudan.