A Study On The Abundance Of Insect Pests Of Stored African Yambean [Spheos Stenocarpa] In Some Selected Villages In Abia State

ABSTRACT

 A study on the abundance of insect pests of stored African Yam bean in three rural villages of Abia state was conducted between June and August 2006. The villages surveyed includes Uzuakoli in Bend L. GA, Ahaba in lsuikwuato L.G.A and Ovim also in lsuikwuato L.G.A. African Yarn bean samples were collected (2 cups each) from some homes and markets in the said areas. The samples yere analysed in the laborEtory, in which the insects were extracted from the seed. The main pests found include; Calloobruchus maculates Rhizopertt dominica, Triroblium castaneurn and Lasioderma serricorne. Callosobruchus maculatus was fourd to be the most abundance with a relative abundance of 57. 87% in Uzuakoli 61.20% in Ahaba and 68.63% in Ovim. While is relative abundance in the market site are 55.60% in Eke U~ukoii 62.29% in One Ahaba and 59.52% in Oriendu. Rhizopertha dominica tcok the second position with 38. 11%, 28.13%, and 20,67%, respectively from hone sites and 34.68%, 27.86% and 28.31% respectively from market sites Tribolium castaneum and Lasioderma seiricorne were relatively low in abundance. The insect pest species found were similar in all the sample collected from homes and markets.