(Coptotermes formosanus) Credits: Biovision-Infonet Termites, also known as white ants are common pests of upland rice in West Africa where they may cause serious damage during dry periods. They may also occur in lowland areas in light texture soils. They generally attack plants in their later growth stage by hollowing out their root system and […]
Monthly Archives: February 2020
Sorghum Midge
(Stenodiplosis sorghicola) Credits: Biovision-Infonet It is reported as one of the most important pests of sorghum in some countries, whilst in others (e.g. Ghana) is considered a sporadic pest. Nearly 30% of sorghum grain was damaged by sorghum midge in 1990 in western Kenya. In southern Africa, there are reports of 25% of sorghum grain […]
The Sorghum Aphid and the Maize Aphid
(Melanaphis saccari) (Rhopalosiphum maidis) Credits: Biovision-Infonet These are common on sorghum. The sorghum aphid is light yellow in colour, and the maize aphid is dark green to bluish-green in colour. These aphids are often found sucking on ear heads or on the underside of leaves. They produce large quantities of honeydew, which enable black sooty […]
Other Bugs
Credits: Biovision-Infonet A number of bugs feed on the milkripe sorghum grains: shield bugs including stink bugs (Nezara viridula, Acrosternum spp), Mirperus jaculus, Riptortus dentipes, Lygus bugs, blue bug (Calidea degrii) among others. The bugs puncture the seeds and suck the contents. Feeding punctures remain as dark spots on the testa. The seed weight is […]
Fowl Pox Disease
Dr.iCow’s Diary Date: 12.02.2020 Dear Dr.iCow, Kufura kwa kichwa na macho kufura ni ugonjwa gani na dawa gani? What causes poultry to swell head and eyes and which disease and treatment to give? From: Mr. Mutuku,County: Makueni, Kenya. Discussion: The chicken are having some raised swellings like pimples and some wounds. Their eyes do not […]
Sorghum Shoot Fly
(Atherigona soccata) Credits: Biovision-Infonet It is the most important pest of sorghum at the seedling stage. The adult is similar to the housefly, smaller in size (3-5 mm long), and greyish in colour, and abdomen yellow with brown patches. The larvae or maggots are yellowish or whitish in colour, up to 8 mm long. The […]
Head Bugs
(Calocoris angustatus and Eurystylus oldi) Credits: Biovision-Infonet Nymphs and adults of the head bug (Calocoris angustatus) and the African head bug (Eurystylus oldi) feed on developing kernels as panicles emerge from the boot. Head bugs are small (3 to 5 mm long, and about 1 mm wide) and variable in colour from yellowish green (C. […]
Birds
Credits: Biovision-Infonet Birds are one of the most important pests of sorghum. They are capable of causing heavy losses. In Africa the most notorious species is Quelea quelea and is found in the Sahel region, from Senegal in West Africa through to Sudan, Uganda, Kenya, Southern Tanzania, Malawi, Zambia and South Africa. What to do: […]
Cow Feeding,Calf rearing and dehorning
Dr.iCow’s Diary Date: 14.02.2020 Dear Dr.iCow, What can I do to my cow and calf to grow faster? I use booster. Is it advisable? Dehorning in calf. From: Bernard,County: Vihiga, Kenya. Discussion: Bernard is very interested in improving his dairy cows and calves and would take up the right information and put it in practise. […]
Sorghum Storage Pests
Credits: Biovision-Infonet Sorghum is very susceptible to damage by storage pests, the main ones being greater grain weevils, in particular the rice weevil (Sitophilus oryzae), the flour beetle (Tribolium castaneum) and the grain moth (Sitotroga cerealella). Heavily attacked grain loses much of its content and become unfit for sale and consumption. What to do: Damage […]