Insect Pests Occurring On Eggplant Solanum Nielongena In Michael Okpara University Of Agriculture Umudike

ABSTRACT

 The study was conducted mainly to find out the insect pests affecting eggplant in Michael Okpara University of Agriculture Umudike. The seeds were planted in the nursery where observation for insect attack started. The plants were transferred to the farm one month later into four beds measuring 7x1 .5111 each; with each bed containing about 20 seedlings each. The beds were monitored daily for insect pests. Insect pests seen were taken to the laboratory for identification. Larval forms collected were taken to the laboratory for rearing and identification. The prevalence and severity of pest damage were also assessed. Results from the survey show that a diversity of 12 species of insect pests, which cuts across seven families and three orders, were found to cause damage to the eggplant (Solanum melon gena) in Michael Okpara University of Agriculture Urnudike. The major insect pest included Green shield bug Nezara vir/dula, leafwoiiji Soodoptera littoral/s and Eggplant fruit borer Daraba laisal. The vegetative and seedling stages of the crop recorded the highest incidence of pest damage, followed by the fruiting and flowering stages respectively.