The natural environment as reservoir for the larger grain<i>Prostephanus truncatus</i>(Horn)(Coleoptera: Bostrichidae)in Kenya

Abstract

The Larger Grain Borer (LGB), Prostephanus truncatus (Horn), is an exotic pest of stored maize and cassava which first appeared in Kenya in 1983. Studies using pheromone traps show that LGB is widespread in the natural vegetation in Tsavo National Park. Experiments to determine alternative hosts of the LGB have shown it capable of feeding and breeding in 16 tree species in the families Leguminoseae, Burseraceae and Anacardiaceae. Some of these species are of significance to agroforestry. Within a tree, breeding success of LGB is dependent upon the wood's age, and its moisture content. The possible role of alternative host plants in influencing LGB infestations in stored maize is discussed.