MANAGEMENT OF INSECT PESTS OF BAMBARA GROUNDNUT (VIGNA SUBTERRANEAN (L.) VERDC.) IN NIGERIA

Abstract

Tribolium castaneum, commonly known as the red flour beetle is a major stored grain pest and found in granaries of wheat, cereals, beans, pasta, crackers, mixed cake, dried flowers and pet food, seeds, chocolate, meal, spices, nuts and even in museum dried artistic specimens. The insect is 3.5 mm long reddish brown beetle. The beetle can survive up to three years of age as an adult and is regarded as a sedentary insect. The insect has the ability to disperse via flight up to considerable long distances. The particular beetle has a close resemblance to confused flour beetle except it has three defining clubs at the end of each antenna. Its antennae are club type with the inclusion of three segments. The beetle has a curvy thorax. The use of plant materials as traditional protectants of stored products is an old practice used all over the world. The protection of stored products generally involves mixing grains with plant based protectants. Provision of a sound background for T. castaneum species identification as well as for the establishment of higher taxonomic classification and for consideration on the beetles evolutionary development, will have a long way in reducing if not total prevention of resistant menace of various species to adoption of management strategies of T. castaneum