Abstract
The leaf miner (Coelaenomenodera elaeidis) is a major pest of the oil palm. It breaks out in epidemic proportions periodically, resulting in severe leaf defoliation and consequently low fresh fruit bunch (FFA) yield. This study analyses temperature, rainfall, relative humidity, and leaf miner abundance records sampled in oil palm fields between 1976 and 1980 in the main station of the Nigerian Institute for Oil Palm Research (NIFOR). Data for temperature, rainfall, and relative humidity were obtained from NIFOR meteorological station. Mathematical relationships between the insect stages (larva, pupa, and adult) and weather factors (rainfall and temperature) were developed indicating that pest predictions can be made for different leaf miner stages using their corresponding model equations giving specific values for rainfall and temperature. Variations in the seasonal patterns of temperature and rainfall are of major significance as a cue to timing leaf miner abundance and would help in making better decisions regarding where farmer action can target pest control interventions, thereby contributing to ensure food security. The need for continuous monitoring has great potential for detection and control of insect pests in oil palm growing areas.
Highlights
The leaf miner, a hispid beetle, is a serious defoliating pest of the oil palm
This study analyses temperature, rainfall, relative humidity, and leaf miner abundance records sampled in oil palm fields between 1976 and 1980 in the main station of the Nigerian Institute for Oil Palm Research (NIFOR)
Mathematical relationships between the insect stages and weather factors were developed indicating that pest predictions can be made for different leaf miner stages using their corresponding model equations giving specific values for rainfall and temperature
Summary
The leaf miner, a hispid beetle, is a serious defoliating pest of the oil palm. Leaf miner outbreaks are sporadic and difficult to predict. There is need for increased knowledge of the leaf miner and its dynamics to guide environmentally sustainable integrated pest management methods. A major ability of farmers to adapt to climate variability and change with respect to insect pest infestations will depend on knowledge of pest attacks in relation to climate variability and change. In order for farmers to move away from over reliance on pesticides, dependable tools to time pest management activities are needed. There is rapidly increasing understanding of how the climate is likely to change at the global scale under various emissions scenarios, what is less well understood is the magnitude of future temperature, rainfall and relative humidity changes at the local level, and how these are influencing agro-biological systems [1]. Knowledge of past systems is necessary to evaluate future events
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