Preliminary studies on population trends of the leafhopper Nzinga palmivora Wilson (Homoptera: Cicadellidae) in Ghana

摘要

Studies were carried out on the population trends of the leafhopper, Nzinga palmivora Wilson (Homoptera: Cicadellidae), a suspected vector of Cape Saint Paul Wilt Disease (CSPWD) on coconut palm in four Cape Saint Paul Wilt Disease outbreak areas i.e.Agona Junction, Akwidaa, Dixcove and Princess, all in the Western Region of Ghana from 1996 to 1998. The cumulative record of disease incidence in the various plots were; Agona Junction (29.60%), Akwidaa (21.80%), Dixcove (77.56%) and Princess (0.30%).N. palmivora population was high in January and from September to December. Adult population generally showed a falling trend from January to June and a rising trend from August to December. Population was generally low from April to August. Population of N. palmivora was significantly higher at Akwidaa compared to the other three areas. The number of nymph and adults showed a steep increasing trend from August to December. The studies provide vital biological information on this new species of Nzinga.