Abstract
The dwarf variety of coconut, Cocos nucifera L. (Palmae), was found to be eaten by the larvae of the African armyworm, Spodoptera exempta (Wlk.). The comparison of the armyworm infestation on the leaves of the coconut seedlings and the adjacent grass species revealed lower larval density and growth rate on Coconut seedlings. This observation suggests that a small population of the African armyworm can survive and develop on the leaves of the dwarf variety of coconut.
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References
Baker G. L. (1978) An outbreak of Spodoptera exempta (Wlk.) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) in the highlands of Papua New Guinea. Papua New Guin. agric. J. 29, 11–25.
Brown E. S and Mohamed A. K. A. (1972) The relationship between simulated armyworm damage and crop loss in maize and sorghum. E. Afr. agric. For. J. 37, 237–257.
Faure J. C. (1943) Phase variation in the armyworm Laphygma exempta. Sci. Bull. Dep. Agric. S. Afr. 234, 1–17.
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Yarro, J.G., Otindo, B.L., Gatehouse, A.G. et al. Dwarf Variety of Coconut, Cocos Nucifera (Palmae), A Hostplant for the African Armyworm, Spodoptera Exempta (WLK.) (Lepidoptera, Noctuidae). Int J Trop Insect Sci 1, 361–362 (1981). https://doi.org/10.1017/S1742758400000667
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1017/S1742758400000667