Infestation Patterns Research Articles

Repurposing lead, nickel and cadmium resistant Bacillus xiamenensis VITMSJ3 in the effective inhibition of Spodoptera litura larvae: A mechanistic perspective

Pests are the major cause for decrease in crop productivity, due to infestation and intense feeding pattern. Use of chemical pesticides not only leads to resistance in pests but can also show residual toxicity. Therefore, in the current study lead, nickel and cadmium resistant Bacillus xiamenensis VITMSJ3 tested as a strong plant growth-promoting bacteria (PGPB) was repurposed for its inhibitory effects against larvae of Spodoptera litura. Toxicity assessment was studied using leaf bioassay against larvae of S. litura and higher mortality rate of 93.33% was attained at 72nd hours upon augmentation with Bacillus xiamenensis VITMSJ3 which was found to be less in B. thuringiensis and pesticide with 83.33 and 53.33% respectively. There was a direct impact with reduction in the feeding of leaves while Bacillus xiamenensis VITMSJ3 was treated with larvae as compared to control with a significant statistical difference at p < 0.05. Histopathological analysis and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) micrographs revealed damage in the gut and breakages in brain. Presence of rod shaped bacteria on the gut surface with morphology similar to Bacillus xiamenensis VITMSJ3 was observed. Further combined plant-larvae study revealed the efficiency of potent PGPR strain to enhance the plant growth inhibiting the survivability of the targeted larvae. Superoxide dismutase (SOD), peroxidase (POD), catalase (CAT), ascorbate peroxidase (APX) enzymatic activities was clearly found higher in plants as compared to larvae. Increased MDA content in larvae inferred the toxic effects of Bacillus xiamenensis VITMSJ3. Similarly the plant infestations and colonization of bacteria was also visualized. Our findings suggests Bacillus xiamenensis VITMSJ3 to be an effective and potential substitute for pest control against larvae of S. litura.

Seasonal and spatial patterns of infestation with ectoparasitic mites on New Zealand geckos revealed using a crowd‐sourced citizen science database

AbstractThe advent of online crowd‐sourced nature databases provides an opportunity to yield information about ecological interactions on a scale not previously possible. In particular, such databases provide an opportunity to collate information on host–parasite interactions through screening photographs of hosts. Using photographs from iNaturalist we expanded the known hosts for ectoparasitic mites in New Zealand geckos from 9 to 20 host species, including the first report of ectoparasitic mites on geckos from the genus Toropuku. Additionally, spatial and seasonal variation in mite prevalence was investigated, giving deeper insight in the possibilities of analysing crowd‐sourced datasets.

Distribution of phoretic mites and lice in Pseudolynchia canariensis living on pigeons and the relationship with seasonality, carrier sex, plumage coloration and age of definitive hosts

Among the parasites, some groups that have a limited capacity for locomotion, such as mites and lice, the transmission is challenging to win. These ectoparasites disperse through direct contact between hosts or, in some cases, through phoresy. However, these processes are not well-documented in detail because they are difficult to observe and quantify. In the present study, the patterns of distribution of skin mites and phoretic lice on hippoboscid louse fly Pseudolynchia canariensis sampled from Columba livia were evaluated. The analyzed pigeons were juveniles and adults, with three distinct plumage colors: blue checker, spread, or wild type, and were caught over 24 months. A total of 1,381 hippoboscid flies were collected on 377 hosts. The plumage color did not influence the infestation patterns of louse flies on juvenile and adult pigeons, nor did it influence the infestation patterns of skin mites and phoretic lice on the hippoboscid flies. However, the environmental temperature was directly related to higher prevalence, mean infestation intensity, and phoretic species richness on P. canariensis during the hottest seasons. Furthermore, a higher abundance of phoretic mite eggs, including embryonated eggs, was observed in females of P. canariensis in all seasons.

Prevalence and Infestation of Ectoparasite in Dabung Ducks in Some Districts in Bangkalan Madura

Identify the type of ectoparasite prevalence and infestation pattern of ectoparasite on Dabung duck in Bangkalan Madura regency. This research conducted from February to April 2022 with sample of 55 tails and identified in parasitology laboratory of the Veterinary Parasitology Division, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Airlangga University, Surabaya with the permanent mounting method without coloring. This research was a descriptive research, study survey, and cross sectional study analytical. The type of ectoparasite that attacked Dabung duck in Geger subdistrict, Dabung village and Galis subdistrict, Pekaan Dajah village were Menacanthus stramineus, Menopon gallinae, Lipeurus caponis with a prevalence of 100% from a sample 55 tails of Dabung duck. The analysis results of infestation pattern of ectoparasite infestation on Dabung ducks used correspondence text on the body regions of Dabung ducks in Geger subdistrict, Dabung village showed that M. stramineus ticks on chest region, M. gallinae in head neck region and L. caponis in wing region. Burneh subdistrict, Burneh village founded M. stramineus ticks in abdomen region, M. gallinae in head-neck region, and L. caponis in wing region. Galis subdistrict, Pakaan Dajah village showed that M stramineus lice in head-neck region, L. caponis in wing region and M. gallinae in spine region.

Between Habitats: Transfer of Phytopathogenic Fungi along Transition Zones from Kettle Hole Edges to Wheat Ears.

Kettle holes are able to increase the soil and air humidity around them. Therefore, they create a perfect habitat for phytopathogenic fungi of the genera Fusarium and Alternaria to develop, sporulate, and immigrate into neighboring agricultural fields. In our study, we establish transects from the edges of different kettle holes and field edges up to 50 m into the fields to analyze the abundance and diversity of pathogenic fungi in these transition zones by culture-dependent and culture-independent methods. However, in 2019 and 2020, low precipitation and higher temperatures compared to the long-time average were measured, which led to limited infections of weeds in the transition zones with Fusarium and Alternaria. Therefore, the hypothesized significantly higher infection of wheat plants next to the kettle holes by a strong spread of fungal spores was not detected. Infestation patterns of Fusarium and Alternaria fungi on weeds and wheat ears were spatially different. In total, 9 different Fusarium species were found in the transition zone. The species diversity at kettle holes differed from 0 to 6 species. The trend toward increased dryness in the northeast German agricultural landscape and its impact on the changing severity of fungal infections is discussed.

HEAD LOUSE PALEOEPIDEMIOLOGY IN THE OSMORE RIVER VALLEY, SOUTHERN PERU.

Recent studies of louse ectoparasites from mummies have developed robust data sets that allow a true epidemiological approach to the prehistory of louse parasitism. One epidemiological principle is that the binomial of overdispersion is normally negative, meaning that in a host population, parasites are aggregated in a few individuals. We demonstrate the overdispersion of lice in 3 different prehistoric communities that differ along 3 axes or variables: environmental setting, socioeconomic status, and cultural affiliation. Distinct cultural practices could have been involved in different patterns of louse infestation. Prevalence, intensity, and abundance of infestations exhibit statistically significant differences between the communities. We also find differences in prevalence between subadults and adults that contrasted by cultural affiliation and suggest conditions different from those seen today. We show that overall prevalence was affected primarily by ecological setting, not socioeconomic status nor cultural affiliation. These findings demonstrate that statistical analysis of archaeological data can reveal the states of infestation in past populations with lifestyles not seen in modern people. Our approach paves the way for future comparisons of subpopulations within archaeological communities.

A Comprehensive Review on Seasonal Incidence of Fall Army Worm, Spodoptera frugiperda (J.E. Smith) and Their Management

The Fall Armyworm (FAW), Spodoptera frugiperda, represents a formidable challenge to global agriculture due to its rapid spread and significant impact on crop yields. This comprehensive review focuses on providing an in-depth exploration of FAW's biology, its seasonal dynamics, and the multifaceted strategies employed for its management. Leveraging datasets from multiple geographical regions, we examined the patterns of FAW infestations and their correlation with various climatic and environmental factors. The research emphasized the criticality of predictive modeling tools in forecasting pest incidence and highlighted the potential of machine learning and big data analytics in enhancing the accuracy of these predictive tools. Innovative management solutions, spanning from genetic interventions to the application of nanotechnology, were also discussed, underlining their potential in mitigating FAW damage. Central to our findings was the recurrent theme of international collaboration; the need for globally coordinated efforts in research, monitoring, and the sharing of resources emerged as a pivotal component in the fight against this pest. By incorporating diverse perspectives, including field insights from farmers and advancements in modern technology, this review aims to provide a holistic overview of the present scenario and proffers strategies for future action against the FAW threat.

Oviposition behavior of Anastrepha obliqua (Maquart, 1835) (Diptera: Tephritidae) and preference between two mango (Mangifera indica L.) varieties

Anastrepha obliqua (Macquart, 1835) (Diptera: Tephritidae) is a species of fruit fly that occurs in the Neotropical region and is associated with 78 host plants. In Brazil, the species is one of the most economically important pests for fruit growers, especially in mango cultivation in the northeast region. Evaluating the oviposition behavior of polyphagous species such as fruit flies contributes to a better understanding of their fruit choice and infestation patterns and provides a basis for developing pest management techniques. In this study, we evaluated the changes in oviposition behavior of A. obliqua at different times of day and fruit fly ages with the highest oviposition activity. In addition, we tested whether A. obliqua exhibits any preference for Tommy Atkins and/or Palmer mango varieties. Our results showed higher oviposition activity in the morning and at the ages of 15-16 and 17-18 days. We also observed a preference among females to lay eggs on Tommy mangoes over Palmer ones.

Coffee Berry Borer, Hypothenemus hampei (Ferrari) (Coleoptera: Curculionidae): Activity and Infestation in the High Mountain and Blue Mountain Regions of Jamaica.

Jamaica produces coffee marketed as Blue Mountain and high mountain (grown outside the Blue Mountains). Since the discovery of the coffee berry borer (CBB; Hypothenemus hampei) in Jamaica in 1978, chemical control has traditionally been the primary approach used to protect the crop from the pest. However, in the last 20 years, there has been an effort to shift towards more sustainable management strategies. The study was conducted to determine CBB activity (trap catch) and field infestation on coffee farms in the high mountains and Blue Mountains of Jamaica, over a crop cycle. A total of 27,929 and 12,921 CBBs were captured at high mountain and Blue Mountain farms, respectively. Peak CBB activity occurred in April in the high mountain region (365 CBBs/trap/month) and February in the Blue Mountain region (129 CBBs/trap/month). The highest levels of infestation were in November (33%) and October (34%) in the high mountain region and Blue Mountain region, respectively. There was no significant difference in the patterns of CBB activity and infestation between the study locations, and neither were related to the temperature or relative humidity. However, there was a significant relationship with rainfall. These data suggest that the population dynamics of the CBB may involve complex interactions among weather conditions, berry development, and agronomic practices.

Patterns in the Distribution and Abundance of the Post-Outbreak Population of the Coconut Leaf Beetle, Brontispa longissima (Gestro) (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) in Albay, Philippines

Field monitoring of the coconut leaf beetle (CLB) population in old stands (more than 7 years old) and young stands of coconut (3-5 years old) was conducted in Albay Philippines where an outbreak of the pest occurred in 2006. The study was conducted to characterize the changes in the population of the CLB over time and space and to relate these changes to the infestation pattern, age of palms, development and reproduction of the pest, growth, and development of the coconut leaf. The spatial distribution of the CLB population as well as the infested palms were aggregated throughout the monitoring period based on the Index of dispersion and Lloyd’s mean crowding. Development time and reproduction of CLB is inferred to be synchronous with the emergence of each leaflet in the spear of coconut which has an average of 23 days before another leaflet emerges. This complemented the biology studies where CLB was able to complete from egg to adult in 34.33±2.59 and 32.00±0.93 days in females for both laboratory and greenhouse studies. The infestation of CLB was shown not to spread even if there was an increase in the population.

Impact of weather on population dynamics and infestation of Leucinodes orbonalis Guenee on brinjal

The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of weather parameters on the infestations of shoot and fruit caused by brinjal shoot and fruit borer (Leucinodes orbonalis) (Lepidoptera; Pyralidae) during Kharif and Rabi seasons of two consecutive years. The findings showed that the shoot infestation began (5.35%) in 1st week of January and severed (30.85%) in 3rd week of February and 1st week of March in the first and second years. The shoot infestation was associated positively (r=0.267) with temperature but negatively with relative humidity and rainfall (r=-0.182 and -0.235). The fruit infestation (26.57% and 21.74%) began in the 1st week of February and gradually peaked (52.69 and 46.36%) in the 1st week of March. However, it was associated negatively with relative humidity (r=-0.773 and 0.747) and rainfall (r=-0.204 and -0.202) while positively with temperature during the rabi season of the first year. The same patterns of infestations were recorded in the next year. Compared to the Kharif seasons, shoot infestation started (7.65%) in 1st week of July and the highest (31.21%) in 3rd week of August. Additionally, it was associated negatively with temperature (r=-0.235) while positively with relative humidity and rainfall (r=0.060 and 0.677). The infestation of the fruit started (27.35 and 21.25%) in 1st week of August and steadily increased, reaching to peak (53.26 and 47.22%) in 1st week of September. Moreover, it was associated negatively with temperature (r=-0.500 and -0483) and positively with relative humidity (r=0.426 and 0.443). However, a negative association (r=-0.187 and -0.180) was found with rainfall. While in the second year, the same infestation patterns were recorded as the previous year, except rainfall was positively (r=0.0283 and 0.287) associated with fruit infestation. In conclusion, the weather affects the BSFB infestation significantly or non-significantly. This finding could be helpful for farmers in planning their cultivation practices for brinjal and pest management strategies to reduce the infestation caused by BSFB.

Different triggers, different stories: Bark-beetle infestation patterns after storm and drought-induced outbreaks

In the recent decades, Norway spruce forests (Picea abiesKarst.) in Europe have been subject to large-scale tree mortality caused by the spruce bark beetle (Ips typographusL.). The outbreaks were induced by storm-felling events and periods of drought, which are becoming increasingly frequent due to climate change. Because storms and droughts spatially affect forests differently, the infestation patterns and configuration of the bark beetles might differ between storms and drought. In this study, we examined local and landscape factors associated with bark beetle-caused tree mortality after one storm (2005) and one drought-induced spruce bark beetle outbreak (2018), both occurring in southern Sweden. A total of 13,192 infested one-ha pixels after the storm and 6,425 one-ha pixels after the drought (in total 19,617) were compared regarding differences in infestation occurrence and size and associated forest structures and climate between the two different outbreaks, using a generalized linear model (GLM) approach. Based on our findings, we discovered that the allocation of infestation patch sizes (including four classes: 5–10, 11–25, 26–50 and >50 infested trees) for the two outbreaks were quite similar with a large proportion (>0.6) of small groups (≤10 trees).However, the outcomes from this study demonstrate that the drivers behind the spatial configuration of bark beetle infestations can differ considerably between outbreaks triggered by storms and droughts, and the main cause seems to be linked to the spatial distribution of susceptible trees. The most consistent differences for both occurrence and infestation size were that storm-induced infestations increased more with spruce volumes and area of protected forests (nature reserves) in the landscape; whereas for the drought-induced infestations, occurrence and size increased more with clear-cuts in the landscape and spruce heights across spatial scales. Soil moisture and mean drought index (SPEI; May-July) were important for both outbreaks, but generally more important for the infestation sizes after droughts than after storms and may involve a time-lagged effect.The reasoning behind the differences between storms and droughts may be that during storm-induced outbreaks, when the wind-felled trees are removed or not suitable anymore, bark beetles need to find specific susceptible standing trees, while after drought all trees are more or less stressed, which results in a selection of large trees in dry and warm landscapes as they have more resources and favorable reproduction conditions. Finally, we show that the previous infestation size influenced the later infestation size negatively within landscapes of 25 ha and this seems to be related to depletion of susceptible host trees.These results are important for the assessment of more specific outbreak predictions, which should be integrated in future risk mapping of bark beetle outbreaks.

From establishment to dominance: spatio-temporal infestation patterns of the Asian subterranean termite, Coptotermes gestroi, in Key West, Florida, 1999–2021

From establishment to dominance: spatio-temporal infestation patterns of the Asian subterranean termite, Coptotermes gestroi, in Key West, Florida, 1999–2021

Species diversity and daily infestation patterns of Haematophagus flies in cattle farms at Tanah Bumbu District, South Kalimantan Province, Indonesia

Abstract. Hairani B, Hadi UK, Supriyono. 2023. Species diversity and daily infestation patterns of Haematophagus flies in cattle farms at Tanah Bumbu District, South Kalimantan Province, Indonesia. Biodiversitas 24: 2995-3003. Blood-sucking flies act as livestock pests and vectors of zoonotic diseases. This study aims to know the species diversity of blood-sucking flies, relative abundance, frequency, and dominance of species and their correlation to weather parameters on beef cattle farms with three different ecosystems in the Tanah Bumbu District, South Kalimantan, Indonesia. The research was conducted from August to October 2022 on 6 beef cattle farms in Tanah Bumbu District with different types of ecosystems, namely forest, non-forest, and coastal areas. The flies was collected by using sweep nets, NZI traps. and Vavoua traps. Blood meal activity was measured by counting flies infestation on the cow's body. The results showed that there were 11 species of blood-sucking flies, i.e., Stomoxys calcitrans Linnaeus 1758, S. sitiens Rondani 1873, S. indicus Picard 1908, S. bengalensis Picard 1908, Haematobia exigua Meijere 1903, Therioplectes sp., Chrysops fixissimus Walker 1856, Tabanus optatus Walker 1856, T. striatus Fabricius 1787, T. rubidus Wiedemann 1821, and Hippobosca sp. The S. calcitrans population appears to be dominat in each type of ecosystem. The peak of blood-sucking fly infestations on the body of beef cattle in each ecosystem occurred at 10AM-2PM. In addition, the environmental temperature and humidity were significantly correlated to fluctuations in blood-sucking fly infestations in each ecosystem, and the light intensity was significantly correlated to the population of H. exigua in coastal ecosystems, while the wind velocity was not significantly correlated to all species in all ecosystems.

Patterns of mistletoe infestation in neotropical urban areas

Patterns of mistletoe infestation in neotropical urban areas

Forecasting occurrence of palm weevil Rhynchophorus palmarum L. (Coleoptera, Curculionidae) using Autoregressive Integrated Moving Average modeling

Oil palm (Elaeis guineensis L.) is a crucial crop in Ecuador, considerably affected by black palm weevil Rhynchophorus palmarum L. (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) for several years. Despite its importance, the behavior of the black weevil in Ecuador is not well comprehended presently. Therefore, this study aimed to predict infestation patterns of the black palm weevil in Ecuador using a mathematical model based on monitoring data. Data on the number of insects per trap from a commercial oil palm farm in Quinindé, Ecuador, was collected every two weeks for five years (2016-2020) and analyzed using the Classical Fourier (CF) spectrum and the Dickey-Fuller test to determine seasonality. The trend component of the data dropped from 16.33 in January 2017 to 11.96 in January 2019, with a fluctuation ranging from -0.11 to 2.50 observed for the entire data set. The results obtained after fitting the model ranged from -0.11 to 3.19, with a maximum of 5.30. The augmented Dickey-Fuller (ADF) test for the black weevil time series yielded a result of -5.60 (P&lt;0.01). The partial autocorrelation ranged from -0.35 to 0.1. Based on our model, we projected the occurrence of black palm weevil from 2021 to 2024, with a fluctuation in the number of insects per trap ranging from 12.68 in January 2021 to 13.023 in November 2023. This model can be used to predict future insect occurrences in Ecuador, providing valuable insights into the behavior of the black weevil and using it for effective development control measures for this pest.

Honeydew production by the Giant Willow Aphid (Tuberolachnus salignus, Hemiptera: Aphididae) and its effect on foraging yellowjackets (Hymenoptera: Vespidae).

Understanding the factors that promote the success of invasive species is important for managing biological invasions. Interactions between invasives and other species (e.g., competitors, pathogens, or predators), could favor or limit their success. In recent decades, yellowjacket wasps, including Vespula germanica and V. vulgaris, have successfully established in Patagonia. Additionally, the invasive willow Salix fragilis has invaded areas next to watercourses, which in turn are typically colonized by the giant willow aphid (GWA, Tuberolagnus salignus), an additional species characterized as a successful invader in many regions worldwide. Aphid exudate (honeydew) has been reported to be used as a carbohydrate source by social wasps. The aim of our study was to gain a better understanding of the infestation pattern of the GWA in northwestern Patagonia, its effect on exudate availability and its relationship with yellowjacket foraging patterns. The study was conducted under the working hypothesis that the increase in the size of GWA colonies and resulting honeydew production, will fuel an increase in local Vespula spp. We found that the aphid honeydew is produced in relatively high amounts in the region (estimated at 1517 ± 139 Kg/ha/season), with strong indications that it is used by yellowjackets because of the significantly higher abundance levels of yellowjackets foraging on honeydew. The interaction of three invasive species, willows, GWA and yellowjackets, needs to receive special attention to develop future environmentally-sound mitigation tools of these nuisance pest.

Damage potential of the broad bean beetle (Bruchus rufimanus Boh.) on seed quality and yield of faba beans (Vicia faba L.)

The broad bean beetle (Bruchus rufimanus Boh.) is a serious pest of faba bean (Vicia faba L.) that threatens seed production in times of an increased demand for faba bean seeds due to the expansion of faba bean cropping area over the last decade. Three organic and three conventional field trials a year were conducted from 2019 to 2021 in three environmental different regions in Northern, Central and Southern Germany to test different control strategies and to investigate the bruchids' damage potential on seed quality and yield. The field trials show that organic cropping systems are more susceptible than conventional ones while no tested control strategy delivered satisfying and between years and test sites steady results. Neither yield nor thousand seed weight was influenced by bruchid infestation. However, germination of harvested seeds was highly linked with bruchid infestation, although the degree of correlation varied between years and cropping systems because of different climatic conditions during flowering and different high infestation pressures with fungal pathogens. Germination reduction by bruchid infestation occurs less as a result of damage to the embryo, but mainly as a result of increased susceptibility to fungal pathogens due to injured seed coats. In the trial period, infestation caused by pre-year's bruchids overwintering in stored faba beans was significantly lower than by bruchids migrating into the fields during flowering and the different infestation patterns had fundamentally different consequences for germination and therefore seed quality. Therefore, not the absence of living bruchids in the seeds is crucial for seed quality, but an as low as possible bruchid impairment of any kind.

Arthropod Ectoparasites of Two Rodent Species Occurring in Varied Elevations on Tanzania’s Second Highest Mountain

Climate change causes organisms, including species that act as parasite reservoirs and vectors, to shift their distribution to higher altitudes, affecting wildlife infestation patterns. We studied how ectoparasite distributions varied with altitude using two rodent species, Montemys delectorum and Rhabdomys dilectus, at different elevations (1500-3500 m). The ectoparasites infesting the two rodent species were influenced by the host sex, species, and temperature. We expected host density to predict parasite infestation patterns, because hosts in higher densities should have more parasites due to increased contact between individuals. However, temperature, not host density, affected ectoparasite distribution. Since temperatures decrease with elevation, parasite prevalences and abundances were lower at higher elevations, highlighting that the cold conditions at higher elevations limit reproduction and development-this shows that higher elevation zones are ideal for conservation. The rodents and ectoparasite species described in this study have been reported as vectors of diseases of medical and veterinary importance, necessitating precautions. Moreover, Mount Meru is a refuge for a number of endemic and threatened species on the IUCN Red List. Thus, the parasitic infection can also be an additional risk to these critical species as well as biodiversity in general. Therefore, our study lays the groundwork for future wildlife disease surveillance and biodiversity conservation management actions. The study found a previously uncharacterized mite species in the Mesostigmata group that was previously known to be a parasite of honeybees. Further investigations may shed light into the role of this mite species on Mount Meru.

Population growth of Prostephanus truncatus and Sitophilus zeamais and infestation patterns in three maize hybrids

Prostephanus truncatus (Horn) (Coleoptera: Bostrychidae) and Sitophilus zeamais Motschulsky (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) cause significant damage to stored maize (Zea mays L.). In this study, we evaluated the progeny production and damage of these species in three maize hybrids (‘AGN 717’, ‘AGN 672’, and ‘AGN 794’) obtained from three locations in Northern Greece. The trials were conducted under laboratory conditions, and the progeny production, number of damaged kernels (NDK), weight of damaged kernels (WDK), and frass were evaluated after 65 days. The hybrids had a significant effect on the progeny production of both beetle species, with the highest number of progeny being produced in the hybrid ‘AGN 672’. The percentage of dead adults was affected by planting location of hybrids in both species, but no significant differences were found among the tested hybrids and species. The effect of location on frass production was only observed in S. zeamais, but hybrids did not affect the production of the frass in either species. NDK and WDK were found to be significantly different among the hybrids in S. zeamais, but only WDK was different in P. truncatus. These parameters did not differ among the locations for either species. The results showed that different hybrids and cropping locations had a significant effect on the progeny production and damage of S. zeamais and P. truncatus in maize. Therefore, planting locations and hybrids should be taken into account when growing maize or specified in maize susceptibility studies to P. truncatus and S. zeamais.