Sesame sowing date and insecticide application frequency to control sesame webworm Antigastra catalaunalis (Duponchel) in Humera, Northern Ethiopia

Zenawi Gebregergis,Ibrahim Fitwy,Dereje Assefa

doi:10.1186/s40066-018-0190-4

Zenawi Gebregergis, Ibrahim Fitwy + Show 1 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.1186/s40066-018-0190-4

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Abstract

BackgroundSesame (Sesamum indicum L.) is one of the most important crops in Ethiopia for international market, while its production is challenged by insect infestations and inappropriate agronomic practices. Sesame webworm (Antigastra catalaunalis) is the major pest, which causes heavy losses in Humera areas, Northern Ethiopia. This study aims to determine optimum sowing time and insecticide application frequency for controlling A. catalaunalis.ResultsThe results showed that the early sowing gave minimum infestation of sesame webworm and better sesame grain yield. The integration of early sowing and weekly spray (T16) resulted in low incidence (8.8%) and higher grain yield (651 kg/ha), where the combination of late sowing and untreated (control) plot (T3) gave higher incidence (100%) and lower grain yield (69.1 kg/ha). The maximum level of leaf, flower and capsule damage was scored on the late sowing and untreated plot, while the lowest was in the early sowing and weekly sprayed plot.ConclusionsPlanting sesame early on the onset of rainfall followed with two application of insecticide at 2 and 4 weeks after emergence was found economical and optimum management option for controlling A. catalaunalis.

Highlights

Sesame (Sesamum indicum L.) is one of the most important crops in Ethiopia for international market, while its production is challenged by insect infestations and inappropriate agronomic practices
Description of the study area A field experiment to investigate effects of sowing time and insecticide application frequency on A. catalaunalis infestation was conducted in western Tigray at Humera Agricultural Research Center (HuARC), which is located at latitude of 14°15′N, longitude of 36°37′E and elevation of 608 m
The number of larva per plant and incidence were significantly lower on the early sowing sesame than the late sowing

Summary

Introduction

Sesame (Sesamum indicum L.) is one of the most important crops in Ethiopia for international market, while its production is challenged by insect infestations and inappropriate agronomic practices. Sesame (Sesamum indicum L.) is an annual plant that belongs to the Pedaliaceae family. It is one of the world’s oldest oil seed crop grown mainly for its oil-rich seeds [1]. The Ethiopian whitish Humera-type variety is known for its taste (sweetness) in the world market; it is exported to the confectionary market where. Insect pests such as sesame webworm (Antigastra catalaunalis), sesame seed bug (Elasmolomus sordidus), and gall midge (Asphondylia sesami) are the most important insects that affect production of sesame. Out of which sesame webworm (A. catalaunalis) is the most important insect that affects sesame during various growth stages

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