Browsing by Author "Day, Roger K."

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    Eucalyptus Infestation By Leptocybe Invasa In Uganda
    (African Journal of Ecology, 2009) Nyeko, Philip; Mutitu, Eston K.; Day, Roger K.
    Very little is known about Leptocybe invasa Fisher & LaSalle, a new fast-spreading alien pest infesting Eucalyptus in several countries. This study examined L. invasa infestation on Eucalyptus germplasms in different agroecological zones of Uganda. The incidence and severity of the pest infestation were higher in hotter and drier agroecological zones than in cooler and wetter zones. There were direct negative relationships between altitude and L. invasa infestation on Eucalyptus species. No infestation was observed on any Eucalyptus species in stands at altitudes ranging from 1938 to 2452 (the maximum encountered) m above sea level. Leptocybe invasa infestation occurred on all Eucalyptus species encountered (Eucalyptus grandis, Eucalyptus camaldulensis, Eucalyptus saligna, Eucalyptus robusta), except Eucalyptus maidenii that escaped attack because it was located outside the ecological range of the insect. The incidence and severity of L. invasa infestation was generally higher on clonal hybrids E. grandis · E. camaldulensis than on E. grandis · Eucalyptus urophylla. Research on host germplasms, L. invasa biology and ecology, impact of the pest infestation and possible control strategies are suggested to facilitate the development of sustainable management strategies.
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    Farmers’ Knowledge, Perceptions And Management Of The Gall-Forming Wasp, Leptocybe Invasa (Hymenoptera: Eulophidae), On Eucalyptus Species In Uganda
    (International Journal of Pest Management, 2007) Nyeko, Philip; Mutitu, Eston K.; Day, Roger K.
    Farmers growing Eucalyptus species in Uganda were interviewed using a pre-tested questionnaire to investigate their knowledge, perceptions and management of the Eucalyptus gall-forming wasp, Leptocybe invasa Fisher & LaSalle, with the aim of developing integrated management programme for the pest. Farmers were aware of, and concerned about, the gall problem on Eucalyptus, but the vast majority of them did not know the cause. Most farmers did not attempt to control the infestation because they did not know of suitable control methods and/or the cause of the problem. Farmers' control decisions were not influenced by their experience in cultivating Eucalyptus or their education level. Only 20% of 59 farmers interviewed had received advice on L. invasa, suggesting poor flow of information on tree pests to farmers. Nearly all farmers interviewed still wanted to plant Eucalyptus, and they saw the trees as a source of several products and services. Problems relating to the increasing emergence of alien insect pests in tropical forests, and challenges and strategies for effective management of forest pests in developing countries are discussed.