Effect and infestation levels of groundnut pod borer (Elasmolomus sordidus) on groundnut (Arachis hypogaea) and farm control measures in Tedema, Builsa-North District of the Upper East Region, Ghana

Abstract

Groundnut (Arachis hypogaea), an ancient oilseed crop is cultivated worldwide for its beneficial uses. It is one of the main cultivated crops in Northern Ghana. Pod borers (Elasmolomus sordidus) are the major biotic setbacks of groundnut production in the Upper East Region of Ghana, where it infests almost every farm in the region especially Tedema in the Builsa North District. The research hence assess the effects of the pod borer on the groundnut, and find measures to control it. There was a high positive correlation between days of exposer of the groundnut to Elasmolomus sordidus, and weight loss of the groundnut kernel with above 80% correlation coefficient and p < 0.05 for all analysis. The % pod infestation and weight loss ranged from 11.80% to 26.04% and 9.01% to 22.17%, respectively. The abundance of Elasmolomus sordidus on the field increase with time. The weight loss of groundnut kernel caused by Elamolomus sordidus also increases with time of exposer of the groundnut to Elasmolomus sordidus. Farm sanitation and immediate harvesting of the groundnut after the uprooting of the groundnut are control measures identified to offset the pod borer infestation. Platostoma africanum was also identified to repel Elasmolomus sordidus when placed within the groundnuts as it reduces the infestation of Elasmolomus sordidus on the groundnut. Further research strategies are recommended for the effect of pests on the oil content and germination properties of the groundnut.