Damage Potential and Control of the Groundnut Bruchids

Three experiments were carried-out to assess the damage potential and control of the groundnut bruchid Caryedon serratus Olivier [Coleoptera:Bruchidae] on stored groundnut and some host plants in Yola,Adamawa State, Nigeria.The first experiment determined the damage potential and physical damage done to shelled and unshelled groundnut,tamarind,Shea butter and Locust bean by the groundnut bruchid with no control measures applied.Shelled groundnut gave the highest mean percentage damaged seeds (90.00) and the least was in untreated Shea butter nut (28.68).Shelled and unshelled groundnut gave the highest mean percentage weight loss (70.33 and 68.33).The second experiment tested the best conditions for storing groundnut using varying levels of the plant material leaf powder, F. congensis and the chemical, actellic dust. Chemical gave the highest percentage mortality (89.73), less mean number of eggs laid (101.00) and least percentage weight loss (9.33).However, the plant material, F.congensis was outstanding in controlling the bruchid. The third experiment evaluated the different storage methods or control measures and their combinations in order to obtain an integrated pest control.