New pest threatens food stocks

Since the end of the 1970s a new insect pest, Prostephanus truncatus, has been ravaging food stocks in some African countries. Introduced from Central America, where it attacks mostly maize, it can destroy up to 30 % of stored maize, cassava and, less frequently, millet and sorghum in Africa. Pesticides have so far been relatively unsuccessful in reducing the damage caused by this insect, especially under traditional storage conditions. Although the problem is most serious in Tanzania, the pest is also present in Togo, Kenya, Rwanda, Burundi, eastern Zaire and Benin. The German aid agency GTZ is currently experimenting with pesticides and natural predators, and the FAO is trying to help farmers in Tanzania who have no traditional way of dealing with this imported problem. For further informat~on, contact: GTZ, P.O. Box 5180, 6236 Eschborn. West GermanySince the end of the 1970s a new insect pest, Prostephanus truncatus, has been ravaging food stocks in some African countries. Introduced from Central America, where it attacks mostly maize, it can destroy up to 30 % of stored maize, cassava and,..