Prostephanus truncatus （Horn） is a notorious stored grain insect pest established in Tanzania in late 1970s and currently threatening the maize industry of Zimbabwe. The devastating effects of the pest attack, deman...Prostephanus truncatus （Horn） is a notorious stored grain insect pest established in Tanzania in late 1970s and currently threatening the maize industry of Zimbabwe. The devastating effects of the pest attack, demands adequate preparation including identification of the potential invasion areas for more focused planning towards its effective management. In the current study, the potential P. truncatus invasion areas in Zimbabwe were identified based on climatic data with reference to the Tanzania situation using the geographical information system （GIS） Almanac Characterization Tool （AWhere-ACT 3.5 software）. Areas identified to be at greatest risk of invasion includes the northern part of the country, the southern-east region and a few areas in the east （Manicaland province）. Alternative host plants for P. truncatus similar to those identified in Kenya, where the pest is already endemic, were found to occur throughout Zimbabwe which could support initial colonization and subsequent perpetuation of the pest in the country. In Zimbabwe, chances that P. truncatus may spread throughout the country, should it invade the country, are high because of unregulated grain trade and the fact that most of the potential invasion areas identified in this study, are located in the major maize producing areas. Measures to delay the occurrence of the pest in Zimbabwe should focus on the high-risk areas identified.展开更多
文摘Prostephanus truncatus （Horn） is a notorious stored grain insect pest established in Tanzania in late 1970s and currently threatening the maize industry of Zimbabwe. The devastating effects of the pest attack, demands adequate preparation including identification of the potential invasion areas for more focused planning towards its effective management. In the current study, the potential P. truncatus invasion areas in Zimbabwe were identified based on climatic data with reference to the Tanzania situation using the geographical information system （GIS） Almanac Characterization Tool （AWhere-ACT 3.5 software）. Areas identified to be at greatest risk of invasion includes the northern part of the country, the southern-east region and a few areas in the east （Manicaland province）. Alternative host plants for P. truncatus similar to those identified in Kenya, where the pest is already endemic, were found to occur throughout Zimbabwe which could support initial colonization and subsequent perpetuation of the pest in the country. In Zimbabwe, chances that P. truncatus may spread throughout the country, should it invade the country, are high because of unregulated grain trade and the fact that most of the potential invasion areas identified in this study, are located in the major maize producing areas. Measures to delay the occurrence of the pest in Zimbabwe should focus on the high-risk areas identified.
