A Braconidae Parasite (Bracon sp. near celer Szepligeti) on Pigeonpea Pod Fly (Melanagromyza chalcosoma Spencer) in Farmers' Fields in Southern and Eastern Africa

Abstract

The incidence and distribution of Bracon sp. near B. celer, a parasitoid of Melanagromyza chalcosoma, were assessed in major pigeon pea-growing areas in Kenya, Malawi, Tanzania and Uganda, during 1995 and 1996. Populations of M. chalcosoma were greatest in Kenya and infestations were high in areas where the crop matured late in the season or in cool weather. Areas near the coast at <500 m altitude had insignificant populations of M. chalcosoma and no parasitoids were recorded. As the pest population increased, the incidence of the parasitoid also increased. Mean parasitism rates were recorded as 5.2, 2.6, 3.0 and 2.3% for Kenya, Malawi, Tanzania and Uganda, respectively.It is concluded that B. celer is widespread and could contribute to the management of M. chalcosoma on pigeon peas