INSECTS ASSOCIATED WITH CORDIA MILLENII TREES

ABSTRACT

This study was carried out to evaluate the insects associated with Cordia millenii trees in the Faculty of Agriculture and its surrounding environment all in the University of Benin. Ten (10) Cordia millenii tree species were selected in the Faculty of Agriculture and its surrounding environs in University of Benin, Benin City: One (1) opposite the New Faculty of Agriculture building, Eight (8) in the Proposed Wildlife ecotourism site and the last One (1) opposite the Crop Science laboratory all in the Faculty of Agriculture and its surrounding environment. The stands were selected based on the height of the fruit branches for ease of data collection. The stands were tagged from 1 – 10. They were studied for eight (8) weeks using visual observation and carried out in the morning from 6am - 7am and in the evening from 6pm - 7pm twice weekly. The insects found, how many were found, possible damages done by the insects were recorded and the statistics were analyzed. A total of 58 (fifty eight) insects belonging to four (4) orders and five (5) species were observed during this study. Lasius Niger (black ant) had the highest (0.345) abundance and relative abundance (34.5). This was followed closely by Zoonocerus variegatus (Grasshopper) (0.259 and 25.9 for abundance and relative abundance respectively), then Astylus atromaculatus(Pollen beetle) (0.241 abundance and 24.1 relative abundance). The species with the lowest abundance was Reduvius personatus (True bugs) (0.069 abundance and 6.9 relative abundance). The data collected were analyzed using descriptive statistics of frequency and percentages summarized in table and charts, and inferential statistics with the use of analysis of variance (ANOVA) at 5% significance. Duncan multiple range test was used to separate the means of variables. Based on this insect survey carried out, Tree sample 1 opposite the New Faculty of Agriculture building and Tree sample 10 Opposite Crop Science laboratory were not affected by insects. Tree sample 2-9 at the Proposed Wildlife ecotourism site were highly affected by insects. It is then concluded that the main insects associated with Cordia millenii in the area studied are Lasius niger, Zoonocerus variegatus, Astylus atromaculatus and Reduvius personatus. It was concluded that the cause of insects on Tree sample 2-9 is due to the animal farm just opposite the area. The dung and excreta from the farm attracts insects which in turn infest the nearby trees (in this case Cordia millenii). It was recommended that the animal farm be moved to another location and tree maintenances be encouraged on a regular basis.