(Prostephanus truncatus)
Credits: Biovision-Infonet
(c) NRI/MAFF. Reproduced from the Crop Protection Compendium, 2004 Edition. (c) CAB International, Wallingford, UK, 2004
The larger grain borer has been found infesting cassava chips in storage particularly during the rainy season in West Africa. This beetle is currently the most serious pest of dried cassava in storage. Weight losses as high as 70% after 4 months of storage have been reported elsewhere.
What to do:
- Use botanicals or plant parts to protect stored cassava. There are reports in Kenya, that the larger grain borer can be effectively repelled by storing cassava or grains with a fairly large amount of dried lantana or eucalyptus leaves (Personal communication, field officer of Meru herbs). Neem is also reported to be effective.