Abstract: In Ethiopia, coffee is known as the backbone of economy although the productivity was very low due to different factors. Among these, insect pests are one of the major affecting coffee productions in Ethiopia. The present study was conducted to assess the status of major coffee insect pests in major coffee growing areas of Southern Ethiopia. The survey result revealed that the infestation and damage level of insect pests varies among coffee fields, peasant associations and districts. The maximum percent of damaged coffee bean and number of antestia bug per tree was recorded at Wonago, 4.0% and 0.75 respectively. The mean number of bugs and bean damage levels were higher at higher elevations range (1931-2025 m.a.s.l) of Wonago district whereas the lower level was recorded at lower elevations range of (1449-1695 m.a.s.l) of Dilla Zuria district. The percent of infested farms of coffee blotch leaf miner (100%) was recorded in all assessed districts whereas the highest infestation of skeletonizer (90.90%) and serpentine coffee leaf miner (81.81%) at Dilla Zuria district. From the survey result the highest coffee blotch leaf miner infestation level was recorded at Aleta Wondo district (15.13%) while the lowest was at Dilla Zuria (5.32%); the highest infestation of skeletonizer (1.02%) and serpentine (0.60%) at Wonago while the lowest was (0.22%) and (0.10%) at Shebedino district, respectively. Lack of consulting professionals and practicing coffee agronomic recommendations were the knowledge gaps identified among the farmers and hence, adequate training for farmers and extension workers as well as districts’ experts is needed. As future line, further studies should be conducted on the seasonal dynamics and developing integrated insect pest management strategies for major insect pests of coffee.Abstract: In Ethiopia, coffee is known as the backbone of economy although the productivity was very low due to different factors. Among these, insect pests are one of the major affecting coffee productions in Ethiopia. The present study was conducted to assess the status of major coffee insect pests in major coffee growing areas of Southern Ethiopia. The su...Show More
Abstract: Sphingidae, Hawk moths, sphinx moths, bee moths or hummingbird moths; are belonging to the Superfamily Bombycoidea, with about 1400 species recorded around worldwide. It is best represented in the tropics, but species are found in every region. They are moderate to large in size and are distinguished among moths for their agile and sustained flying ability, similar enough to that of hummingbirds as to be reliably mistaken for them. Their narrow wings and streamlined abdomens are adaptations for rapid flight. In Egypt, there is no revision since 2005, the 1st study done in 1985 and during last this study the family Sphingidae classified under superfamily Sphingoidea, during this study seven species under seven genera were recorded. Then, in 2005 Sphingidae was revised again and nine species under seven genera were recorded. Meanwhile during this study after the complete revision for this family was done and Sphingidae was transferred from superfamily Sphingoidea into superfamily Bombysoidea. Up to date in Egypt Sphingidae is not rich family of Lepidoptera, it is only present with 12 species belonging to 7 Genera under 2 subfamilies. 1st Subfamily (Sphinginae) represented by 3 species under 2 genera only; while the 2nd subfamily (Macroglossinae) represented by 9 species under 5 genera. The rich genus is Hyles and represented by 4 species. Acherontia styx (Westwood, 1848) is recorded as new record to the Egyptian fauna.Abstract: Sphingidae, Hawk moths, sphinx moths, bee moths or hummingbird moths; are belonging to the Superfamily Bombycoidea, with about 1400 species recorded around worldwide. It is best represented in the tropics, but species are found in every region. They are moderate to large in size and are distinguished among moths for their agile and sustained flying...Show More