African Rice Gall Midge Research Articles

Damage associated with the african rice gall midge (AFRGM), Orseolia oryzivora Harris and Gagne (Diptera : Cecidomyiidae) in an integrated cropping system at Bama, Western Burkina Faso

Orseolia oryzivora is a major insect pest of rice in Burkina Faso. This study aimed at assessing the incidence of this pest on an integrated irrigated rice cropping system in Bama, western Burkina Faso. The work was carried out during two consecutive wet cropping seasons, 2020 and 2021. The experiment was conducted using a randomized split-plot design in a latice design. The main plots (MP) were divided into secondary plots, made up of a combination of two factors: two rice varieties (FKR64 and Orylux6) and four types of crop management before rice (Mucuna, cowpea forage, organic matter and a no-crop control); the third factor, mineral fertilization (F0, F1, F2, F3) was distributed in secondary plots (SP). Weekly entomological assessments were carried out from day 28 after transplanting (DAT) to DAT 84. Symptoms of O. oryzivora damage were assessed during the vegetative and reproductive phases of rice and examined in the laboratory. Results showed that all rice varieties were infested with O. oryzivora. The higher amount of NPK, the higher the damage caused by the insect pest. The FKR64 variety recorded the highest average rate of pre-imaginal O. oryzivora populations. The results of this study could contribute effectively to the sustainable management of O. oryzivora in Bama.

Assessment of some Plant Extracts for the Management of Rice Gall Midge (Orzeolia oryzivora) Infestation on Rice (Oryza sativa)

In various regions worldwide, there has been a growing interest in exploring higher plant products as innovative chemotherapeutic agents for plant protection. This may be attributed to their nonphytotoxic nature, systemic mode of action, easy biodegradability. Hence, these experiments were conducted in the Research field of National Cereals Research Institute (NCRI) Edozhigi and Batavovog communities at latitude 09°45′ N and longitude 06°07′ E to assess the efficacy of the three plant extracts (Garlic bulb, Neem leaf and Orange peel), Lambda-cyhalothrin was used as positive check) for the control of African rice gall midge tiller Infestation on Rice. The trial was laid out in a Randomized Complete Block Design with three replicates. Data were collected on the number of tillers per hill, plant height, days to 50% flowering, percent incidence, panicle per meter square, grains per panicle, and rice yield. Data collected were subjected to Analysis of Variance and significant means were compared with the Least Significant Difference (LSD) at p<0.05.The result showed a significant reduction in gall midge infestation across all growth stages in plants treated with the extracts compared to untreated controls. Application of Orange peel gave the lowest gall midge incidence (5.42%) on rice at 63 days after sowing in Edozhigi, compared with 5.74% and 5.51% incidence recorded on rice treated with Garlic bulb and Neem leaf extracts respectively. However, their effectiveness was not statistically similar to lambda-cyhalothrin treatment. Additionally, plant extracts did not negatively affect the agronomic traits, leading to an enhanced rice grain yield. It is thus concluded that Garlic bulb, Neem leaf, and Orange peel liquid extracts demonstrated efficacy in controlling AfRGM pests and improved yield.

Influence of solvent medium on the bioefficacy of ten plant materials against adult African rice gall midge (AfRGM-Orseolia oryzivora)

Influence of solvent medium on the bioefficacy of ten plant materials against adult African rice gall midge (AfRGM-Orseolia oryzivora)

Mode of inheritance of rice resistance to African rice gall midge

Development of rice (Oryza sativa) varieties with improved traits, like resistance to both biotic and abiotic stresses, is crucial, particularly for sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). Among the biotic stresses, the African rice gall midge (Orseolia oryzivora) is one of the most devastating pests/insects of rice in the region. The objective of this study was to determine the mode of inheritance of resistance to African rice gall midge (AfRGM) as a basis for developing insect resistant rice varieties in the SSA. Four resistant genotypes and four susceptible locally adapted genotypes of rice were crossed in half diallel crossing design. The F2 segregants and their corresponding parents, were evaluated in the cage experiment, against AfRGM in a 4 by 9 alpha lattice design, in three replications. Results showed a significant variation (P<0.05) in rice AfRGM resistance among genotypes. Significant general and specific combining abilities were observed, indicating that both additive and non-additive gene effects were important in rice AfRGM resistance. However, the non-additive effects predominated at 42 and 63 days after infection (DAI). High coefficients of genetic determination in the broad sense (0.96, 0.97 and 0.98, respectively), and moderate narrow sense (0.55, 0.45 and 0.39) at 21, 42 and 63 DAI, were obtained, with a moderate Baker’s ratio of 0.57, 0.46 and 0.40 in the 21, 42 and 63 DAI, respectively; indicating primarily non-additive inheritance among crosses.

Efficacy of metarhizium anisopliae and beauveria bassiana as biological control agents of African Rice Gall Midge (AfRGM), Orseolia oryzivora Harris & Gagné

African rice gall midge (AfRGM), Orseolia oryzivora (Diptera: Cecidomyiidae) is a significant pest of rainfed and lowland rice that causes about 25% to 100% yield loss. The effectiveness of chemical insecticides has been compromised due to insecticide resistance and concerns over their environmental impact, which necessitated an alternative approach that is safe and more sustainable. The study aimed to determine the effectiveness of Entomopathogenic fungi (EPF), Metarhizium anisopliae and Beauveria bassiana in controlling AfRGM on four popular rice cultivars under screenhouse conditions at AfricaRice/IITA, Ibadan, Nigeria. The experiment was laid out in a 4 x 3 factorial fitted in a completely randomized design (CRD) in three replications. Results showed that although both fungi significantly reduced AfRGM tiller infestation, the degree of reduction varied with the specific fungus and rice variety grown. Beauveria bassiana exhibited better control of AfRGM on FARO 37 and FARO 44 varieties, while M. anisopliae was more effective on FARO 66 and FARO 67 varieties. Tiller infestation had a significant negative correlation with grain yield (r= − 0.87, R2 = 77). The study also indicated that the two fungi strains had no harmful effect on the chlorophyll content and positively influenced agronomic traits and grain yield.

Impact of Rice Stem Borers and Identification of <i>Orseolia oryzivora</i> Harris & Gagné, 1982 (Diptera: Cecidomyiidae) Biotypes in the Southern Cameroon

The study compares the impact due to rice stem borers in two sites (Yaounde and Ntui). It also shows the diversity of the African Rice Gall Midge (AfRGM) biotypes in southern Cameroon (Santchou, Ndop, Tonga, Ebolowa, Ba?gom, Yaounde and Ntui). The New Rice for Africa (NERICA) varieties 3, 8, 9 and 13 sown in Ntui were less attacked than those sown in Yaounde. At both sites, damages ranged from 0.78% to 2.7%. In terms of diversity, the main stem-borer species were O. oryzivora, Diopsis apicalis, D. longiconis and Chilo zacconius. Molecular analyses of Orseolia oryzivora larvae collected in the localities of Santchou, Ndop, Tonga, Ebolowa, Ba?gom and Yaounde showed the existence of more than one O. oryzivora biotype in southern Cameroon’s rice basins.

Effect of Beauveria bassiana and Metarhizium anisopliae on the adult African rice gall midge (AfRGM – Orseolia oryzivora)

Rice is an important staple crop whose production is limited by array of insect pests and diseases. African rice gall midge (AfRGM) Orseolia oryzivora Harris & Gagné (Diptera: Cecidomyiidae) is a major insect pest of lowland rice ecology in Africa. Heavy yield losses have been recorded in many farmers’ rice fields. Use of synthetic insecticides has fostered environmental and human health concern that initiates a search for alternative control measures such as Entomopathogenic fungi (EPF) – Beauveria bassiana and Metarhizium anisopliae. The experiment was laid out on completely randomised design (CRD) with three replications. The study showed M. anisopliae IC30 had the greatest control effect on adult AfRGM with 90.58% of non-infested tillers. The percentage of non-infested tiller advantage over the control followed the same trend with M. anisopliae IC30 having the greatest value of 50.72%. Tiller infestation had significant negative correlation with chlorophyll content, leaf breadth and grain number.

Comparative assessment of insect pests population densities of three selected cucurbit crops

Comparative assessment of insect pests population densities of three selected cucurbit crops

Putting Plant Genetic Diversity and Variability at Work for Breeding: Hybrid Rice Suitability in West Africa

Rice is a staple food in West Africa, where its demand keeps increasing due to population growth. Hence, there is an urgent need to identify high yielding rice cultivars that fulfill this demand locally. Rice hybrids are already known to significantly increase productivity. This study evaluated the potential of Asian hybrids with good adaptability to irrigated and rainfed lowland rice areas in Mali, Nigeria, and Senegal. There were 169 hybrids from China included in trials at target sites during 2009 and 2010. The genotype × environment interaction was highly significant (p < 0.0001) for grain yield indicating that the hybrids’ and their respective cultivar checks’ performance differed across locations. Two hybrids had the highest grain yield during 2010 in Mali, while in Nigeria, four hybrids in 2009 and one hybrid in 2010 had higher grain yield and matured earlier than the best local cultivar. The milling recovery, grain shape and cooking features of most hybrids had the quality preferred by West African consumers. Most of the hybrids were, however, susceptible to African rice gall midge (AfRGM) and Rice Yellow Mottle Virus (RMYV) isolate Ng40. About 60% of these hybrids were resistant to blast. Hybrids need to incorporate host plant resistant for AfRGM and RYMV to be grown in West Africa.

Electrophysiological and behavioral responses of female African rice gall midge, Orseolia oryzivora Harris and Gagné, to host plant volatiles.

African rice gall midge, Orseolia oryzivora Harris and Gagné, is a major pest of rice in Africa. Depsite its economic importance, its chemical ecology is not well understood. Here, we assessed behavioral and electrophysiological responses of O. oryzivora to host plant volatiles. In olfactometer bioassays, mated female O. oryzivora were attracted to volatiles emitted from intact rice plants but were repelled by volatiles collected from plants infested by conspecifics. In a choice test, there was a preference for volatiles from uninfested plants over those from infested plants. Coupled gas chromatography-electroantennography analyses of panicle volatiles isolated four electrophysiologically active components: (S)-linalool, 4,8-dimethyl-1,3,7-nonatriene, (E)-caryophyllene, and (R/S)-(E)-nerolidol. A synthetic blend of volatiles at the same concentration and ratio as that from an intact plant was attractive to mated females, whereas a blend based on the ratio of volatiles from an infested plant was repellent. This suggests that O. oryzivora uses olfaction for host plant recognition. The identification of blends of volatiles emitted by plants that can both attract and repel O. oryzivora may aid the development of sustainable control measures.

Farmer’s Knowledge and Perceptions on Rice Insect Pests and Their Management in Uganda

Rice is a new crop in Uganda, but has quickly grown in importance. Between 2000 and 2010, total area under rice cultivation in the country grew by 94% from 140,000 ha. Changes in the agro ecosystem due to expansion in rice area may have altered the pest status of rice insect pests. However, far too little attention has been paid to assessing the prevalence and importance of rice insect-pests in Uganda. In this study, we interviewed 240 lowland-rice farming households from eight districts within the north, east and central regions of Uganda about their perceived insect-pest problems and control measures employed, if any. A semi-structured questionnaire was used. The farmers ranked rice insect pests as the most important biotic constraint in rice production, with stem borers and the African rice gall midge (AfRGM) perceived to be the 1st and 2nd most detrimental insect pests, respectively. In spite of this, only 36% of the respondents could positively identify symptoms of AfRGM damage on rice plants, while 64% were familiar with stem borer damage. Over 60% of interviewed farmers expressed confidence in the effectiveness of insecticides for controlling rice insect pests. Cultural control measures were not popular among the farmers.

QTL Mapping in Three Rice Populations Uncovers Major Genomic Regions Associated with African Rice Gall Midge Resistance.

African rice gall midge (AfRGM) is one of the most destructive pests of irrigated and lowland African ecologies. This study aimed to identify the quantitative trait loci (QTL) associated with AfRGM pest incidence and resistance in three independent bi-parental rice populations (ITA306xBW348-1, ITA306xTOG7106 and ITA306xTOS14519), and to conduct meta QTL (mQTL) analysis to explore whether any genomic regions are conserved across different genetic backgrounds. Composite interval mapping (CIM) conducted on the three populations independently uncovered a total of 28 QTLs associated with pest incidence (12) and pest severity (16). The number of QTLs per population associated with AfRGM resistance varied from three in the ITA306xBW348-1 population to eight in the ITA306xTOG7106 population. Each QTL individually explained 1.3 to 34.1% of the phenotypic variance. The major genomic region for AfRGM resistance had a LOD score and R2 of 60.0 and 34.1% respectively, and mapped at 111 cM on chromosome 4 (qAfrGM4) in the ITA306xTOS14519 population. The meta-analysis reduced the number of QTLs from 28 to 17 mQTLs, each explaining 1.3 to 24.5% of phenotypic variance, and narrowed the confidence intervals by 2.2 cM. There was only one minor effect mQTL on chromosome 1 that was common in the TOS14519 and TOG7106 genetic backgrounds; all other mQTLs were background specific. We are currently fine-mapping and validating the major effect genomic region on chromosome 4 (qAfRGM4). This is the first report in mapping the genomic regions associated with the AfRGM resistance, and will be highly useful for rice breeders.

Incidence of the African Rice Gall Midge (AfRGM), <i>Orseolia oryzivora</i> H. & G. in Relation with Period of Rice Transplanting in the Kou Valley, Burkina Faso

The African Rice Gall Midge, Orseolia oryzivora H. & G., is an important insect pest recorded in 20 countries in Sub-Sahara Africa. In Burkina Faso, the insect pest particularly prevails in Western and South-Western of the country where both biotic and abiotic conditions favor its development. The insect pest can damage up to 60% of rice tillers in Western Burkina Faso. A study was conducted during the 2011 wet season in the Kou Valley, located 25 km North-West of Bobo-Dioulas- so, Western Burkina Faso. Its objective was to evaluate the damage of this insect pest in farmers’ fields in relation with rice transplanting periods. The Kou Valley rice scheme, 1200 ha, was divided into two zones within which 48 farmers’ fields were randomly selected in relation with rice transplanting periods: P1: 1st period; P2: 2nd period and P3: 3rd period; that is 16 fields per period. Both agronomic and entomological evaluations were performed each week starting from the 21th day after transplanting (DAT) up to 84 DAT. Results showed that the highest average damage level (16% of galls) was recorded in the 3rd transplanting period. The highest larval and pupal parasitism was recorded in P3 at 84 DAT. Pupal parasitism due to Aprostocetus procerae Risbec was higher than larval parasitism due to Platygaster diplosisae Risbec. Lastly, the lowest yield (4.78 t/ha) was recorded in P3. These results can be used in the implementation of an integrated pest management strategy for this insect pest in the Kou Valley.

Antixenotic and Antibiotic Mechanisms of Resistance to African Rice Gall Midge in Nigeria

Antixenotic and Antibiotic Mechanisms of Resistance to African Rice Gall Midge in Nigeria

Biological Control of African Rice Gall Midge (Orseolia oryzivora, Harris and Gagné) in Nigeria: A Review

African rice gall midge (AfRGM),Orseolia oryzivoraHarris and GagnE(Diptera: Ceccidomyiidae) is a serious insect pest of lowland rice in Africa ,and is capable of causing total crop failure in endemic areas. Of all the control measu

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Inter-specific rice progeny lines (Oryza glaberrima × Oryza sativa) were evaluated for African rice gall midge resistance at two locations in 2010 cropping season. The experiment was made of 16 rice progeny lines including the two parents; FARO52 and Tog 7442 and a known susceptible check FARO 37. The experiment was conducted in the lowland experimental fields of National Cereals Research Institute at Badeggi and Edozhigi. The fields were laid out in a randomized complete block design in three replications. Gall midge was scored at 42 and 63 days after transplanting, other parameters collected include plant height, days to 50% flowering and grain yield. Principal component analysis indicates that the first three principal components accounted for 64.5% of the total variation in the population across the two locations. Correlation analysis showed a negative correlation (P=0.05) between percentage midge infestations at 63 DAT with number of panicle squared meter. Grain yield did not correlate significantly (P=0.05) with percentage gall midge infestation at 42 and 63 DAT, but there was a significant positive correlation (P=0.05) between percentage gall midge infestation at 42 and 63 DAT. Result revealed that FAROX 521-E-900-1, FAROX 521-H-559-1 and FAROX 521-H-686-1 are found to be resistance to African rice gall midge (AfRGM), while  FAROX 521-E-430-1 and FAROX 521-H-433-1 gave a better yield potential under midge infestation and could be used for further genetics studies. Key words: African rice gall midge (AfRGM), inter-specific, correlation, principal component, grain yield.

Evaluation of Fifteen Genotypes of Rice (Oryza spp.) for Resistance to the African Rice Gall Midge (AfRGM), Orseolia Oryzivora H & G (Diptera: Cecidomyiidae), at Edozhigi in Central Nigeria.

Twelve rice (Oryza sativa) genotypes and three Oryza glaberrima varieties were evaluated for resistance to AfRGM at Edozhigi in the Southern Guinea Savanna Zone of Nigeria during 2004 – 2007 wet seasons. TOS 14519 and FARO 37 (ITA 306) served as resistant and susceptible checks, respectively. Field experiments were laid out in a randomized complete block design with each rice variety replicated three times. Gall midge infestation was recorded from 20 hills of each test genotype per replication at 42 and 63 days after transplanting (DAT). Results showed that O. glaberrima genotypes (TOG 7442, TOG 5832 and TOG 6597) yields were not adversely affected by gall midge infestation levels. The results also gave a further confirmation that truly resistant genes have not been found in the 0. sativa genotypes

Screening of Inter-Specific Rice Progeny Lines for African Rice Gall Midge (AfRGM) Resistance

Screening of Inter-Specific Rice Progeny Lines for African Rice Gall Midge (AfRGM) Resistance

Screening of Inter-Specific Rice Progeny Lines for African Rice Gall Midge (AfRGM) Resistance

Nine hundred and seventeen inter-specific rice lines were subjected to field screening for African Rice Midge Resistance in both Rainfed and Irrigated lowland ecologies at Badeggi and Edozhigi experimental fields respectively in 2009 cropping season, to determine the levels of African Rice Gall Midge (AfRGM) resistance in Bc3F3 inter-specific lines. The field was laid out in an Augmented Block Design, comprising of three blocks with 305 progenies in each block. The checks were randomized three times in each block. The result indicated that the progenies differ significantly in their resistance to AfRGM, four progenies were found to be resistance across the two locations. However, 7 out of the 146 progenies that have good phenotypic acceptability were resistant at Badeggi, while 5 out of 122 progenies with phenotypic acceptability were found resistant at Edozhigi location. Considering both resistance and phenotypic acceptability scores, only 16 progenies were selected for yield trial in both locations.

Developmental biology and field performance of Platygaster diplosisae Risbec (Hymn: Platygasteridae) an egg-larval parasitoid of african rice gall midge Orseolia oryzivora Harris and Gagn (Diptera: Cecidoymiidae)

The developmental biology and field performance of Platygaster diplosisae an endoparasitoid of African rice gall midge (AfRGM) Orseolia oryzivora were investigated. Experiments were conducted in the screen house, laboratory and fields during 2006/2007 farming seasons. The pre-oviposition period averaged 12.1 h. The mean number of eggs laid per female was 95.2 and mean oviposition period was 3.5 days. The average incubation period was 13.0 days with a hatchability of 67.3%. There were three larval instars with developmental duration averaging 2.2, 0.5 and 2.5 days for the 1st, 2nd and 3rd larval respectively. The prepupa and pupa developmental period lasted for 2.4 and 6.7 days respectively. The longevity of males and females were 3.0 and 4.1 days respectively without food, which varied when food was given. The parasitoid has total developmental period of 27.3 days. The results showed that P. diplosisae has an impact as a bio-control agent of AfRGM, but the percentage parasitism of the host was low at the beginning of the season and increased significantly later in the season with a peak in October of each season. It was recommended that mass rearing or conservation of the parasitoid be adopted to improve its efficiency in control of AfRGM. Key words: Biology, Platygaster diplosisae, bio-control, field impact, Orseolia oryzivora