Groundnut pests and their control in the semi‐arid tropics

Abstract

Abstract White grubs, termites, millipedes, wireworms and earwigs bore holes in developing groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.) pods throughout the semi‐arid tropics. White grubs and termites also damage the roots. The above‐ground pests include Spodoptera litura Fab. and the groundnut leaf miner Aproaerema modicella Deventer in Asia. Aphids transmit a number of virus diseases. A thrips Frankliniella schultzei (Trybom) is the vector of bud necrosis disease, which is a serious problem in Asia, southern USA and Australia. Jassids can cause much foliar damage, but their pest status is not certain, except as virus vectors. The pest control options lead away from insecticides, which are often available and are too expensive, towards exploiting host plant resistance and natural control and employing management techniques that restrict pest activity.