Population dynamics and parasitism of Coniesta(= Haimbachia) ignefusalis, Sesamia calamistis, and Heliocheilus albipunctella in millet monoculture

Studies were conducted in Niger in 1986 and 1987 on the population dynamics and parasitism of the millet stem borer, Coniesta (=Haimbachia) ignefusalis (Hampson) (Lepidoptera:Pyralidae), Sesamia calamistis Hampson, and the millet head caterpillar, Heliocheilus albipunctella de Joannis (Lepidoptera:Noctuidae). Planting dates were assessed for effects on population densities of C. ignefusalis and H. albipunctella. Population densities of C. ignefusalis were not reduced by adjusting millet planting dates, but were affected by millet growth stage. Platytelenomus sp. (Hymenoptera:Scelionidae) was the most common parasite of C. ignefusalis on millet. Parasitism of C. ignefusalis larvae and pupae was rare. Sesamia calamistis was a minor pest of millet in Niger, and was rarely parasitized. Population densities of H. albipunctella were reduced by delaying millet planting dates. Bracon hebetor (Hymenoptera:Braconidae) was the most common parasite of H. albipunctella