EFFECTS OF CLIMATE ON PESTS OUTBREAK IN THE SUB-HUMID REGION OF NIGERIA
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Date
1999
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Department of Geography and Planning, University of Ado-Ekiti
Abstract
Climatic pattern associated with both outbreak and life cycle of zonocerus grasshopper were examined in this research work. Deterministic approach was used to solicit for the data required. This data collection methodology assumes that pest outbreak is a function of the prevailing climate. The critical weather elements associated with outbreak were analysed by isolating the onset, development and cessation of the pest based on the developmental stages of its life cycle: The result shows that high rainfall (amount and frequency) and high temperature favour egg laying development while low rainfall (amount and frequency) encourages the severity of adult zonocerus grasshopper. Thus a number of implications on agricultural products have been observed to include:Severe infestation of grasshopper hence, severe crops devastation during _ e dry years; reduction in quality and quantity of these farm products and that; crops are less vulnerable to pest attack during et year. Hence, emphasis on farming system should be on phases taking cognisance of those crops that thrive best in the 7i"et season.
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Keywords
Climate, Critical weather, Grasshopper, Farming