Occurrence of ear head caterpillar species complex on Kenyan finger millet (Eleusine coracana L. Gaertn.) genotypes

Abstract

Aim: The present study aimed at reporting the occurrence of various ear head caterpillar species on different ear head shape and stage of the panicle in Kenyan finger millet genotypes. Methodology: A set of 40 Kenyan finger millet genotypes were selected to investigate the occurrence and abundance of ear head caterpillars species complex on different growth stages of ear head. Results: Among the fifteen ear head caterpillars species recorded on forty Kenyan genotypes, Cryptoblabes angustipennella (Hampson) (3.96 larvae/ear head) caused high level of incidence, followed by Somena scintillans (Walker) which recorded 2.08 larvae/ear head and the population of Helicoverpa armigera (Hubner) & Spodoptera frugiperda (J.E. Smith) was 0.61 and 0.56 larvae/ear head, respectively. Further, genotypes with open ear head shape were free from infestation by ear head caterpillars, which were categorized as highly resistance. The semi-compact (1.82 - 2.07 larvae/ear head) ear heads were categorized under moderately resistance scale. Similarly, compact (2.70 - 2.90 larvae/ear head) shape ear heads fell under susceptible category. Whereas, Fist shape (3.74 to 4.68 larvae/ear head) ear heads were recorded under highly susceptible category. Interpretation: The data on occurrence, species complex and severity can be used for formulating integrated pest management strategies on finger millet. Key words: Cryptoblabes angustipennella, Ear head caterpillars, Finger millet, Kenyan genotypes, Somena scintillans, Species complex