Determination of the interaction between fall armyworm (FAW) and the stem borers larvae
Description of the topic
Previous study have shown that the late larval stages of the FAW are cannibalistic. However, there is no available information on how the FAW larvae interacts with the stem borers larvae in infested plants in Africa ecology. The aim of this study is therefore to provide information on the interaction between FAW and stemborers.
Objective
The objective of this experiment is to assess the response of FAW larvae to a conspecific larva or another Lepidoptera larva specially stemborer larva for the assessment of possible negative effect of FAW incidence toward the occurring stemborer pests.
Work expectations
1. Determine the relationship between FAW conspecific larvae
2. Determine the relationship between FAW and other interspecific larvae (stemborer)
3. One peer review publication documenting the relationship between FAW and stemborers association in maize plant.
Activities
- Conspecific host discrimination using egg batch and different larval instar (February to November 2019)
- Interspecific host discrimination using egg batch and different larval instar (February to November 2019).
- Data analysis, thesis and publication write up (December 2019 to Mars 2020)
Required skills
MSc student in Crop protection or Entomology