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CPT 302: INTRODUCTION TO CROP PROTECTION

Definition of Pest
Pests are organisms considered harmful or detrimental to humans, his possessions
and other human interest. Noxious organisms considered as pests are plants or
animals that carry disease, cause disease or destroy crops. They could be
nematodes, insects, viruses, bacteria, molluscus, fungi, birds, rodents, herbs,
shrubs, mites and annelids
ENTOMOLOGY
Entomology is the study of insects. Insects belongs to the Phylum: Arthropoda;
Class: Insecta; Kingdom: Animalia. Insects could be further classified based on
Family, Order, Genus and Species. The class “INSECTA” could be divided into
winged and wingless insects called Pterygota and Apterygota respectively.
The class “INSECTA” possesses 29 Orders. Each order is divided into families.
The housefly could be classified as thus:
Phylum: Arthropoda
Kingdom: Animalia
Class: Insecta
Family: Muscidae
Order: Diptera
Genus: Musca
Specie: domestica

Common and Scientific names of some insects are:

Larger Grain Borer – Prostephanus truncatus
Lesser Grain Borer – Rhizopertha dominica
Been Weevil – Callosobruchus maculatus
Maize Stalk Borer – Busseola fusca
Elegant Grass Hopper – Zonocerus variegatus
Honey Bee – Apis mellifera

CHARACTERISTICS OF INSECT PEST

 Possession of one pair of antennae
 Possession of one pair of eyes
 Possession of three pairs of legs
 Possession of breathing tube or trachea
 Possession of one or two pairs of wings
 Possession of maxillae and mandible
 Body divided into head, thorax and abdomen
 Post-embryonic development is usually by metamorphosis
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 Abdomen is devoid of ambulatory appendages

 Possession of chitinous exoskeleton
 Possession of segmented that bears paired limbs
 Possession of Mandible and Maxillae

CATEGORIES OF INSECT PESTS

Insects could be classified according to the degree of damage they cause, the
frequency of their occurrence and their behavioral characteristics. Four
categories recognized based on this are:

 KEY PESTS (Major)

 OCCASIONAL PESTS:
 POTENTIAL PEST:
 MIGRANT PEST:
INSECT PEST DEVELOPMENT
Situations that create pest problems could be broadly divided into Ecological and
Economic/Cultural causes
1. Ecological causes – This could occur through the following:
(a) Large Scale Agriculture – provides abundant supply o food
(b) Planting of highly nutritious crop varieties
(c) Planting of yield crops. These factors lead to
 Higher fecundity of pest
 Shorter life cycle
 Faster development rate
 Higher pest population
(d) Pesticide application – This create problem such as:
 Pollution of soil and environment
 Pest resurgence
 Pest resistance to pesticide
 Development of new race
 Deleterious effects on natural enemies
(e) Fertilizer application -
 Some predispose some crops to insect attack e.g. makes them more
succulent
 Roots grow bigger
 Roots develop more vacuoles that encourage penetration by insects
(f) Water irrigation – More relevant to water insects
(g) Migration – Pest movement from one agro ecosystem to another
(h) Introduction by man
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2. Economic and Cultural Changes

These are associated with man’s exploding population such
 Change in cropping system eg monocropping
 Change in value of crop can make a pest that is of insignificant
important to be highly important. A higher price for a previously low
priced crop makes damage to it more economical e.g. Cassava
DAMAGE ASSESSMENT AND FORECASTING
The extent of pest problems depends on:
(a) Nature of the pest - If highly voracious, damage will be high.
(b) State of the host attacked - If the host is vigorous, it may be able to
resist the attack, but if already weak or susceptible it may not be able.
(c) The resultant damage - If a defoliator attacks a leafy vegetable, the
damage will be felt more than when it attacks a fruit vegetable, because
leafy vegetables are important for their leaves.
(d) Economic Value of the effects of damage

THE DAMAGING EFFECTS OF INSECTS

The damaging effects of insects on cultivated plants could be broadly divided into
two categories viz-viz Direct and Indirect.
1. Direct Effects of Insects – This varies depending on the mouth part
possessed by the insect.
(a) Biting and Chewing Insects
 Reduce the amount of leave tissues available for photosynthesis,
thereby hindering the growth of plant.
 When they feed on stem, they tunnel the stem and interrupt sap low.
 They destroy apical point (growing point) of plant
 When they feed on root, they disrupt the absorption of nutrients from
the soil
 When they attack flowers and fruits, they reduce seed production and
seed germination
(b) Piercing and Sucking Insects
 Cause loss of plant vigour due to removal of excessive quantity of sap. In
extreme cases, the plant dies (wilt off)
 They damage floral organs and reduce seed production
 Inject toxins into plant body and sometimes cause development of galls
 Their infestation provides entering point for pathogens, fungal and
bacteria
 They may induce other abnormalities such as pre-mature leaf fall, leaf
curl and deformations
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2. Indirect effects of insect feeding

 Reduces quality of plant products
 Vector of Diseases
 Monetary Loss.
 Cost of preventing potential damage.
 Loss of Goodwill
Pest Assessment
This could be done through two ways viz-viz direct and indirect

INSECT MORPHOLOGY
EXTERNAL ANATOMY: The three main sections of an insect body are the
head; the middle section or thorax and the hind section or abdomen.
THE HEAD: The head bears the antennae, the moth part and the eyes. The
compound eyes are located on either side of the head and composed of hexagonal
facets called corneal lenses. Compound eyes are complex and diverse
(a) ANTENNAE: These are paired appendage that articulate with head capsule
and are located on the anterior part near the compound eye.
(b) MOUTH PARTS: This varies with feeding habits. The mouth part of a
chewing insect such as the grasshopper has upper lip called the labrum; and a
lower lip called the labium. These two serve to hold the food; between these
are two pairs of jaws that work sideway. The upper jaws or mandibles are for
crushing; and the lower pair, the maxillae manipulate (breaks it into smaller
particles) the food. On the maxillae and the labium are two pairs of sensory
structures called palpi. On the floor of the mouth is the tongue like
hypopharynx which secretes digestive juices. The sucking type of mouth is a
modification of the chewing type. The butterfly’s coiled proboscis or sucking
tube is a modification of the maxillae.
THE THORAX: The head is attached to the thorax by means of a membranous
region, the neck or cervix. The insect thorax is divided into three segments namely;
Prothorax, Mesothorax and Metathorax. On the each of the segment is a pair of
legs in winged insects. The thorax also bears one or two pairs of wings. Spiracles
which are the external openings of the respiratory system are located on each side
of the pleura.
LEGS: The generalized insect legs consist of six segments as follows: (i) a basal
coax (ii) Trochanter (iii) Fermur (iv) Tibia (v) Tarsus (vi) Pretarsus, which
usually bears a pair of moving claws. Insect legs although typically ambulatory in
function have been modified extensively in several directions. So typically
developed insect legs are:
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Cursorial with legs adopted for walking and running.

Fussorial with forelegs highly modified bearing heavily sclerotised digging
claws e.g. the male cricket.
Raptorial with forelegs modified for grabbing and holding preys e.g. praying
mantis.
Salfatorial with enlarged hind legs that accommodate muscles used in jumping
e.g.grasshopper.
Natational with leg modified for swimming e.g. legs of water beetle. The legs of
many insects also bear various specialized features e.g. carbiculum or pollen
basket on the hind tibia of the honey bee.
WING: - The wings are borne on either or both the mesothorax and metathorax
segments. The wings arise as outgrowth of the integuments between the tergal
and pleural sclerites. There are considerable variation in the wings of insects
with respect to size and veination.
Functions: The most obvious function of the wings is for flying; however,
wings have been modified for;
(i) Protection: - e.g. hard forewings of the beetles.
(ii) Production of sound e.g. the Homoptera
(iii) Stability of flight: - Trueflies with balancers
ABDOMEN: The abdomen typically has 11 segments; though no more than
10 are visible. It contains a large part of the digestive system. The terminal
segment may bear a pair of appendage called CERCI.

ECONOMIC IMPORTANCE OF INSECT PESTS

This refers to the merits and demerits of insect pests.
DEMERITS
 Reduces values or quality of food
 Reduce yield or quantity of output.
 Vector of Diseases
 Injuries to Man and Animals
 Effects of Recreation.
 Effects on Stored Products, Household and Structural Materials
MERITS (BENEFICIAL INSECTS)
 Agent of Pollination
 Subject of Scientific or Biological Studies
 Source of Drugs
 Predators and Parasites.
 Aeration of Soil
 Food for Man and Animals.
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 Makers of useful bi-products

(a) Honey and wax are bi-products from the honey bee Apis mellifera.
Wax is used in making candle, cosmetics, polish, crayon and in
leathering works. Honey is the earliest sweetener and is used in healing
of wounds and curing of throat ailments among other uses.
(b) Silk spun by the larva of the silkworm moth is an ultra sheer fabric used
primarily for wide array of garment materials
© Shellac produced by the Asiatic lac insects, Laccifer lacca is used for
making varnish.
(d) Dyes – A southwestern scale insect – Dactylopius coccus is a source of
the crimson dye, cochineal
 Baits – Insects such as Dobson fly are used in sport fishing as bait
 Crop Production
 Agents of Decomposition and Nutrient Recycling
 Destruction of weeds

COMMON INSECT PEST OF AGRICULTURAL CROPS

1. STEM BORERS:
(i) Busseola fusca (ii) Sesamia calamistis (Pink Maize Bore (iii) Eldana saccharina
(Sugarcane borer) (iv) Chilo partellus
(b) Rice
(i)Yellow paddy stem borer – Scirpophaga incertulas
(ii) White paddy stem borer – Scirpophaga innotata
(iii) Striped rice stem borer – Chilo suppressalis
(iv) Purple Stalk Borer – Sesamia inferens
(v) Dark-headed rice stem borer – Chilo polychrysus
© Zorghum
(i) Coniesta ignefusalis
2. GRASSHOPPERS: These belong to the order Orthoptera. The elegant
grasshopper – Zonocerus variagatus are brightly coloured with black, yellow,
green and orange markings. They are widely distributed and have a wide host
range e.g. cassava, Maize, weeds etc. Both the nymphs and adults feed on plant
foliage causing defoliation and death of seedlings. They are particularly
abundant during the dry season in the southern part of Nigeria. The eggs are
massively laid in the soil at the end of the dry season and take several months to
hatch. The nymphs develop into adults by the start of the raining season. There
is usually one generation in a year called univoltine
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3. ARMY WORM: These are the caterpillars of a number of different moths

which belong to the order Lepidoptera and the Family Noctuidae e.g.
(ii) African Armyworm – Spodoptera exempta
(iii) Egyptian Cotton Leafworm – Spodoptera littoralis
(iv) Cotton Leaf Worm – Spodoptera litura.
They attack series of cereals, grasses and other crops. They are occasional pest
and their population can be sporadic under certain climatic condition. Most of
them are gregarious or swarming phases during when they engage on migratory
flight as moth. They are well known for their sudden appearances. Eggs are
laid in masses of about 200 -500 per egg mass on the underside of leaves and
hatch in 3 - 4 days. Pupation takes place in the soil after about 20days and the
moth emerge after another 6 – 7 days. In the tropics, as many as 8 generations a
year are possible.
4. LOCUST. Locust exists in two distinct forms or phases. They are gregarious
and solitary phase. Gregarious locusts are attracted to each other and form
population of higher density. These populations are active juveniles and flying
when adult. Solitary locusts are not attracted to each other and are relatively
occur at lower density. Locusts are sporadic pest: and favourable climatic
condition or intervention in the agro-eco system can cause occasional upsurge
of the pest e.g. are
(i) African Migratory Locust - Locusta migratoria migratoroides
(ii) Red Locust – Nomadacris septemberfasciata
(iii) Desert Locust – Schistocecer gregaria

1. SUCKING INSECTS. They belong to the order Hemiptera. The insects have
sucking and piercing mouth parts; and cause damage to crops by sucking saps
from them. Their attacks on crops lead to wilting in severe cases; and this can
be confused with symptoms of drought. Sucking insects encouraged secondary
infection by introducing diseases organism into the host. e.g bacteria, Fungi;
and in some cases, the secondary damage can be more than the primary
damage resulting from feeding activities of the insects. Hemiptera has two sub
–orders viz- viz
(i) Homoptera – smaller bugs belong to this sub-order e.g. Leafhoppers,
Aphids, Mealybugs, Cicadas, Psyllids, Scales, Treehoppers
(ii) Heteroptera – These are bigger bugs eg Clavigralla tomentosicollis), major
pest of cowpea); and Lygus limeolaris, the tarnished plant bugs

2. INSECT VECTORS – insects are the most important agents in the

transmission of viruses; most insect vectors have sucking mouth parts. These
are aphis, leafhoppers, whiteflies and mealybugs. Nonetheless, some insects
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with biting mouth parts such as flea beetles and grasshopper also transmit
viruses e.g. Grasshopper are known to transmit Tobacco Mosaic Virus
mechanically. Other insect vectors of diseases are (i) White fly Bemisia tabaci
– vector of African Cassava Mosaic Virus.

7. STORAGE INSECTS
Stored product insects belong to the order Coleoptera. They have complete
metarmophosis ie eggs larva Pupa adults. There are two
major groups of storage insects
(i) Primary Insects: These are the ones that are able to attack whole and
undamaged seeds or grains and usually initiate their attack on the field e.g.
Rice weevil - Sitophillus oryzae, Bean weevil – Callosobruchus maculatus
(ii) Secondary insects – These are insects that feed on broken or damage
grains and flour eg flour beetle – Tribolium casteneum
SOME IMPORTANT STORAGE INSECT PESTS
(a) Sitophillus oryzae – Rice weevil
(b) Sitophillus zeamais (Motsch.) – Maize weevil
(c) Lasioderma serricone (F.) - Cigarette Tobacco Beetle
(d) Tribolium casteneum (Hbst.) - Red Flour Beetle
(e) Trogoderma granarium (Everts). – Khapra Beetle.
(f) Oryzaephilus surinamensis (L) – Saw-toothed grain beetle.
(g) Ephestia cautella (Walk) -Ware House Moth
(h) Sitotroga cereallela (Oliv.) - Angoumois Grain Moth.
(i) Dermestes lardarius (L)
(j) Rhizopertha dominica (F) - Lesser Grain Borer
(k) Prostephanus truncatus (Horn) - Larger Grain Borer (LGB)
(l) Cryptolestes ferrugineus (Steph) - Rust-red Flour Beetles.
(m) Callosobruchus maculatus (F.) - Bean weevil.

OTHER PESTS OF ECONOMIC IMPORTANCE

A. Birds: Birds and mammals are warm blooded thus; their activities are not
limited by low or high weather to the same extent as insects and other
invertebrates. Hence, they are highly destructive all the time of the year.
They are among the most mobile creature that existed; their powerful flight
is must superior to insect flight and more purposeful.
ECONOMIC EFFECT OF BIRDS
(i) Digging and consumption of planted seed
(ii) Pulling and uprooting of seed.
(iii) Pecking of flower causing fall off.
(iv) Sucking of milk from developing fruits.
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(v) Consumption and shattering of seed. e.t.c

EAGLE BIRD
Eagle bird is one the living creature that has long life span. This is due to
some behaviour of the bird that aids its survival. They do not pose problem to
agricultural production because they don’t feed on plant. They however prey on
insects when hibernating to renew their youth.
SURVIVAL ATTRIBUTES OF EAGLE BIRD.
1. AN EAGLE CAN RENEW ITS YOUTH.
2. AN EAGLE HAS A VERY LONG LIFE SPAN
3. AN EAGLE HAS AN UNSUAL STRENGHT
4. WHEN PURSUED, AN EAGLE HEAD FOR THE SUN
5. WHEN AN EAGLE IS HUNGRY, IT DOES NOT CRY
6. THE EAGLE CAN ASCEND UP TO A HEIGHT OF THIRTY THOUSAND
FEET (30,000FT) ABOVE SEA LEVEL.
7. THE EAGLE LEAVES A FLYING LEGACY TO HER YOUNG ONES
8. THE EAGLE SELECTS THE HIGHEST MOUNTAIN TO LIVE ON AND
LOOKS FOR THE TALLEST TREE AND THE TALLEST BRANCH TO
BUILD HER NEST.
9. THE EAGLE ALWAYS FLIES ABOVE THE CLOUD, THE RAIN AND THE
STORM
10. AN EAGLE CAN TRAVEL (FLY) AT SPEEDS OF UP TO 136 MILES
(220KM/HR)
11. GREAT EAGLES FLY WITH OTHER EAGLES OR ALONE
12. THE EAGLE’S FEED MAINLY ON FRESH AND BLOODY ANIMALS
13. THE EAGLES STICK TO ONLY ONE PARTNER TILL DEATH.
14 AN EAGLE HAS THREE LEVEL OF LOCOMOTION.

B. RODENTS: These include bush rat or grass cutters, rabbit’s, mice etc. They
can be very serious pest of stored produce.
C. MOLLUSCUS. These are large group of animal characterized by soft and non-
segmented bodies. They may be aquatic o terrestrial and may or may not possess
shells. They include snails, octopus, slugs, squids, scallops.
D. WEEDS: Weeds also constitute pest that reduces crop yield. They could be
free-living or parasitic.
E. MITES: These are arthropods belonging to the order ACARINA of the class
ARACHNIDA. They have 3 pairs of legs when fully grown. The flour mite,
Acarus siro is commonly involved in infestation of cereal products
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F. NEMATODES: Nematodes are tubular, non-segmented transparent colourless

micro-organism that belongs to the phylum NEMATODA. They are often called
Round worm or Ealworm

CROP PROTECTION METHODS

1. Cultural Method – This is concerned with manipulation of the environment
in such a manner that it would be unfavourable for the pest thereby
adversely preventing the damage or at least limiting its severity. Cultural
control practices includes: Selection of good site, use of clean planting
materials, tillage, deep sowing, manipulation of planting and harvesting
time, crop sanitation, crop rotation, intercropping, close season , planting of
trap crop, mulching, irrigation, manipulation of crop spacing
2. Host Plant Resistance – This is the relative amount of heritable quality
possessed by the plant which influences the ultimate damage done by the
pest. Host resistance to pest could be exhibited as Antixenosis (Anti-guest),
Antibiosis and Tolerance.
3. Biological Control – This is the use of living organisms as pest control
agents. Biological control have the following advantages
(i) Save and no danger is involved during application
(ii) It provides lasting control once the natural enemies have been
established
(iii) It is economical in the long run
(iv) The pest is not likely to develop resistance
4. Chemical control – This involves the use of natural or synthetic chemicals
that cause the death, repulsion or attraction of pest. Such chemicals are
called pesticides. Pesticides are classified according to the type of pest they
control. Insecticides are used to control insects, herbicides to control weeds,
fungicide to control fungi, nematicides to control nematodes, rodenticides to
control rodents, ascaricides for mites and avicides for birds.
5. Regulatory or Legal Control
This concerns Government regulations to prevent the spread of pest from one
country or region to another. Legal control could be
(i) Absolute prohibit (ii) Quarantine (iii) Post-entry quarantine
services (iv) Restricted materials (v) Closed season
6. Integrated Pest Management (IPM)
This is a method of controlling pest in an economically efficient and
ecologically sound manner. It utilizes all suitable techniques either to reduce
pest population and maintain them at level below those causing economic
injury or to manipulate the population so that they are prevented from
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causing injury. IPM strives to prevent the needless destruction of the

environment and human health

Introduction to Plant Pathology

Plant Pathology is a science that studies plant diseases and attempts to
improve the chances for survival of plants when they are faced with unfavourable
environmental conditions and parasitic microorganisms that cause disease. Disease
involves a change from normal or healthy state to physiological disturbance of
normal functions of plants caused by pathogens. Plant pathogenic organism can be
broadly classified into nematodes, bacteria, fungi and viruses.
Importance of Plant Diseases
(a). Plant Diseases reduce the quantity and quality of plant disease
(b). It may limit the kinds of plants and industries in an area
(c). Plant diseases may make plants poisonous to humans and animals
(d). It can also cause financial losses
Fungi as Plant Pathogens
Fungi are small, generally microscopic, eukaryotic, usually filamentous, branched,
spore-bearing organisms that lack chlorophyll. They have cell walls that contain
chitin and glucans (but no cellulose) as the skeletal components.

Classification of Plant Pathogenic Fungi

Phylum Oomycota
Class Zygomycetes
Order Mucorales (Rhizopus, Mucor etc)
Phylum Ascomycota
Class Saccharomycetes (Yeast)
Order Erysiphales (Blumeria, Erysiphe etc.)
Order Hypocreales
Genus Gibberella, Claviceps, Trichoderma
Phylum Deuteromycota
Penicillium
Aspergillus
Cercospora
Phylum Basidiomycota
Order Ustilaginales (the smut fungi)
Order Uredinales (the rust fungi)
Order Agaricales (the mushroom)
Genus Armillaria
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Some Symptoms of Plant Diseases

Bacteria as Plant Pathogens

Bacteria are prokaryotic organisms, which means that they do not contain
membrane-bound organelles such as nuclei or mitochondria. Most bacteria have
cell walls. The cell wall determines the shape of the bacterium, which can be round
(cocal), spiral-shaped, or rod-shaped (bacilliform). Some bacteria also produce
long, branched filaments. Many bacteria secrete extracellular polysaccharides
(EPS) high molecular weight carbohydrates that become attached to the exterior
surface of the cells as a slime layer (capsule) and serve to promote the disease
process. Bacteria also often have flagella, external structures that rotate to propel
the cells short distances through liquids. The location of flagella, either at the ends
of the bacterial sells (polar) or all over the cell surface (peritrichous), is a useful
taxonomic characteristics. Bacteria reproduce by a process called fission, in which
a single cell divides into two identical cells following the replication of the
chromosomal DNA.
Classification
Bacteria can be divided into major genera based on the structure of the bacterial
cell wall, using the gram stain. One group of bacteria, with thick cell walls, traps a
dye and becomes purple (called Gram-positive). The other group has thin cell walls
that do not retain the purple dye (called Gram-negative). A different stain must be
used to make the Gram-negative bacteria visible, commonly basic fuchsin or
safranin, which stains them pink.

Common Plant Pathogenic Bacterial

Gram-negative
Agrobacterium
- Aerobes, peritrichous flagella, abundant EPS
- Example: Agrobacterium tumefaciens
Erwinia and closely related newer genera:
Brenneria, Pantoea, Pectobacterium
- Facultative anaerobes, peritrichous flagella; pectolytic enzymes (some
species)
- Examples: Erwinia amylovora (no pectolytic enzymes), Pectobacterium
carotovorum (pectolytic enzymes).
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Pseudomonas
- Aerobes, one polar flagella; some fluoresce under ultraviolet light and
chelate (remove) iron from their environment
- Example: Pseudomonas syringae (many pathovars)
Xanthomonas
- Aerobes, one polar flagellum, yellow colonies; source of “xanthan gums”
- Examples: Xanthomonas axonopodis pv. citri, X. axonopodis pv. vesicatoria
Gram-positive
Clavibacter
- Aerobes, irregularly shaped rods, nonmotile
- Examples:Clavibacter michiganesis subsp. michiganesis, C. michiganesis
subsp. sepedonicus
Streptomyces
- Aerobes, branched filaments, sporeforming (actinomycete)
- Example: Streptomyces scabies
Books
Gail L. Schumann (2006). Essential Plant Pathology. The American
Phytopathological Society St. Paul, Minnesota U.S.A. PP 338.
George N. Agrios (2005). Plant Pathology. Fifth Edition. Elsevier Academic
Press. Pp 922.

NEMATODE PESTS OF AGRICULTURAL PLANTS

WHAT ARE NEMATODES?
Nematodes are unsegmented roundworms. The word nematode means
“threadlike” derived from Nemat = thread and ode = like.
CHARACTERISTICS OF NEMATODE
They are microscopic aquatic, triploblastic, unsegmented, bilaterally, symmetrical,
roundworms, transparent, colourless, usually bisexual, worm-shaped (vermiform)
with some (particularly adult female) becoming swollen (pyroform), lack external
appendages. They look like white thread. Nematodes are members of the
Kingdom Animalia and phylum Nematoda. They are the most abundant animal
life form. They inhabit ecological riches that are most varied than those of other
groups of animals. They are found in the air, on top of mountains and the bottoms
of seas and oceans. They inhabit all plants and animal tissues including the
muscles, body fluid and various organs of the body.
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NEMATODE GROUPS
1. TROPHIC GROUP: These include marine nematodes, fresh water and soil
types that are not parasitic on plants. Some members of this group are free-
living which usually feed on decaying organic matters. They are therefore
not harmful but beneficial to agriculture.
2. HELMINTH GROUP: These are animal parasites. This group are either
parasitic on vertebrate or invertebrate animals. About 50 species attack
humans. The vertebrate animal parasites include: Dracunculus medinensis
(guinea worm), Ascaris Lumbricoides (intestinal roundworm), Onchocerea
Volvulus (eye worm), Wuchereria malayi (Elephanthiasis), Heart worm
(Diro filaria spp) etc. These are responsible for various health problems
particularly in the developing countries. Invertebrate animal parasitic
nematodes are those that are predators on insects (entomopathogenic). They
are useful as biocontrol agents of insects. Some are parasitic on other
pathogens including parasitic nematodes.
3. VECTOR GROUP: Some nematodes are involved in transmission of
bacteria and viruses form plant to plant and place to place thereby assisting
such pathogenic organism to cause diseases. They viruses and bacteria are
usually acquired by the vector nematode during feeding.
4. PLANT-PARASITIC GROUP: Although nematodes are the most numerous
multicellular animals, only an estimated 3% of all nematode species have
been studied. Up to 4300 species of plant-parasite nematodes
(Phytonematodes) in 197 genera have been described. Phytonematodes
constitute the smallest in terms of size. They are microscopic ranging in size
from 0.50mm – 4.0mm long and 0.025mm – 0.05mm wide. Because they
inhabit the soil and cannot be seen with the naked eyes, they are often called
the hidden enemies.

PLANT-PARASITIC NEMATODES – Structure and biology

A. MORPHOLOGY: Plant –parasitic nematodes are usually cylindrical in
shape, tapering towards the head and tail. Although phytonematodes are
microscopic, they have intricate systems of feeding excreting and
reproduction that are similar to that of higher animals. The internal
structures/anatomical details features of the nematodes can easily be seen
directly under the microscope without dissecting the nematode generally,
phytonematodes possess the following unique morphological features:
i) STYLET: All plant-parasitic nematode possess stylet. Stylet is a
hard, sharp, spear-shaped structure on the cephalic region of the nematode.
Through back and forth thrusting movement the stylet allows nematodes to
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puncture intact plant cells. The stylet is used to empty cell content and to
inject enzymes. Stylet may or may not possess basal swelling known as
stylet-knob. Stylets with knobs are referred to STOMATOSTYLETS and
members of plant-parasitic nematodes in this group are known as
TYLENCHIDS in the order TYLENCHIDA. On the other hand, Stylets
devoid of knobs is known as ODONTO stylet. Members of this group are
DORYLAIMIDS in the order DORYLAIMIDA. In the Triplonchida, it is
called ONCHIOSTYLE because of the arch shape.

ii) BODY WALL: The body wall is composed of three layers, an

outmost cuticle, a middle hypodermis and a layer of unstraited muscles. The cuticle
is a flexible coating around the nematode. It protects the organism from physical
and chemical danger. As the nematodes grow they shed their cuticles four times
(molting). The cuticles are usually in three layers (Tribloblastic).
iii) TAIL: The tail is the region between the anus and the back tip of the
nematode.
iv) REPRODUCTIVE SYSTEM: Sexes are separate and sex organs are
usually threadlike or tubular with duets. Female organ is made up of the ovary, the
uterus and vagina (vulva). Ovary is where germ cells give rise to eggs. Fertilization
taken place in the uterus. In male nematode sperms are produced in the testes.
During mating sperms are deposited in the vagina via the spicule. Mode of
reproduction in nematodes include:
a) AMPHIMIXIS: Cross fertilization invoving males and females.
b) PARTHENOGENESIS: Nonsexual implying that males are not required
for reproduction.
c) HERMAPHRODISM: Male and female organs are present in one
individual. Reproduction potential of plant-parasitic nematode is quite high. Egg
production per female per life cycle ranges between 250 to 25,000. Nematode
diseases’ are usually polycyclic hence several generations occur in the span of the
lost plant.
V) OESOPHAGUS: Is the tube where food moves from the head to the
intestine. It is referred to as the pharynx. it comprise a narrow cylinder or
procorpus which expands to form a median bulb, a muscular swelling containing
refringent valve plates, before narrowing to the isthmus and the expanding into a
glandular portion. Note- they lack circulatory or respiratory organs. Exchange of
gas is directly through the cuticle. The oesophagus is divided into three parts in the
Tylenchids and into tow parts in the dorylamids and triplonchids
 16

Characteristics of the Tylenchids: They are basically bilaterally symmetrical,

typically vermiform, animals that usually range from 0.2 – 1 mm in length. In
some genera, the female loses the vermiform habit, becoming obese, even globose
in form. The body is enclosed in a cuticle which is usually transversely annulated
and may be ornamented with variety of processes in the criconematid forms. The
female reproductive organ are generally monodelphic.
Charateristics of Longidorids: they are much longer nematodes and range from
0.9 – to over 12 mm in size. The cuticle is smooth and lateral fields are absent. The
female reproductive organ is either didelphic or monodelphic.
Charateristics of Trichodorids: they are plump, cigar – shaped nematodes, about
0.5 – 1.1 mm long and with a bluntly rounded labial region and tail. The cuticle is
smooth and may swell enormously under the influence of acidic fixation. The
female genital system is usually didelphic, very exceptionally monodelphic.
LIFE CYCLE: Plant-parasitic nematodes have a simple life cycle of six stages.
The embryo develops inside the egg to become the first stage juvenile. The first
stage juvenile moults inside the eggshell to become a second-stage juvenile, which
hatches from the egg. In most species second-stage juvenile must feed to continue
its development. It therefore has to move to locate food source (plant lost). After
locating roots of plant it penetrates the root and continues it’s feeding. This then
moult the second time to produce the third stage juvenile. The fourth stage
juvenile moults to produce adult. Adult female would lay eggs to complete a full
cycle, marking the commencement of another cycle.
Life cycle vary considerably in phytonematodes depending on nematode
species, host plant, and the temperature of the habitat. It is as short as 28-30 days
when temperature is high but much longer when temperature is low.
NEMATODE FEEDING AND HOST-PARASITE INTERACTION
All phytonematodes feed on living plant tissues. They all have stylet with which
they puncture plant cell wall. Many nematodes inject enzymes into the host cell
before feeding. The enzymes partially digest the cell contents before they are
sucked into the gut. The damage or injury caused to plant depends on their feeding
process. Nematodes may feed on plant tissues from outside or inside the host
tissue. Nematodes may be free-living, predaceous or parasitic, and many of the
parasitic species cause important diseases of plants, animals, and humans, the only
insect parasitic nematode possessing an optical balance of biological control
attributes are entomo pathogenic (also referred to as “beneficial” or “insecticidal”)
nematodes in the general Steinernema and Heterorhabditis.
 17

KINDS OF PARASITISM IN PLANT NEMATODE.

Plant-parasitic nematode punctures plant tissue when in contact with the plant.
The puncturing process through intact surfaces is made possible by repeated thrusts
(pressing) of tissue by the stylet. Several hundred species of nematodes are known
to affect plants. Every crop has its full compliment of nematodes which attack
them. Below and above ground parts roots, bush, stem, floor are usually
parasitized by the nematodes. Most of the plant of the plants parasitic nematode
feed on plant roots. Depending on the part of the plants attacked plant-parasitic
nematodes may be classified as follows:
a) ROOT PARASITES: This can further be classified as:
i) ENDOPARASITES: These are plant parasite nematodes which enters plant
roots completely with their entire body. They therefore stays, develops, mature
and lay eggs within the root. Endoparasites may be
1) Sessile (sedentary endoparasites) which are those that become stationery as soon
as they penetrate the root and pick up their feeding sites. E.g. Meloidogyne spp,
Globodera, Heterodera spp, Nacobbus spp. etc. They are most virulent of all plant
parasitic nematode. They are responsible for galling of roots. Only 2nd stages are
infective.
2) Migratory Endoparasites which normally advances (move) from one cell to the
other. E.g. Pratylenchus Penetrans. All stages except egg are infective (motile).
ii) SEMI ENDOPARASITES: These include nematodes that partially
penetrate the root. E.g. Rotylenchus, Helicotylenchus (both are spiral nematode),
Criconemella (ring nematodes) and Paratylenchus (pin nematodes).
iii) ECTOPARASITES: These are nematodes which feed on root with the aid of
their long stylets but without themselves entering the root. E.g. Xiphinema,
Longidorus, Trichodorus. They parasitize the epidermal layer of the roots.
b) STEM, LEAF & SEED NEMATODE: Aerial (above ground) parasites. This
include rice nematodes (Aphelenchoides besseyi, A. oryzea etc which are folial
nematodes. Anguina, tritici (wheat gall nematodes) are seed borne nematode & 1st
to be studied. Stem nematode include Ditylenchus dipsaci.

ECONOMIC IMPORTANCE OF PLANT PARASITIC NEMATODES

A crop losses due to plant parasitic nematode constitute one of the most wide
spread pests being very costly. Periodically their interaction with plants and/or
other organisms result in crop devastation and economic woes. In Nigeria 20% -
75% crop loss, including outright crop failures are common with plant nematode
interaction. While feeding, plant parasitic nematode injects secretion from
oesophageal gland. This secretion perhaps digest partly the juice of sap of the
plant which is then drawn through the stylet into the oesophagus and then into the
intestine. This feeding activity deprives the plant of nutrient synthesis. Roots are
 18

equivalent mouth of the plants where nutrients and water are taken up. Since most
damage is done to the root, distortion (damage) in the root will result in
malfunctioning of the root and because they are hidden muted damage to the plants
and become only apparent when above ground symptoms become manifested.
Most symptoms are similar to those of water/nutrient deficiencies. Nematode
damage and its associated crop losses in the fields, store or markets are most severe
in the tropic where the climatic conditions favor continuous (all year round)
reproduction of plant parasitic nematode. useful crop loss assessment is that which
consider crop to crop basis for specific nematode. In Nigeria, it is possible to give
the major nematode pest of the top ten Nigeria crops :

NIGERIAN TOP TEN CROPS AND SOME OF THEIR MAJOR PESTS

S/NO CROP MAJOR NEMATODE PESTS
1 CASSAVA (Manihot spp) Meloidogyne spp, Pratylenchus
brachyurus, Rotilenchulus renifornis
2 MAIZE (Zea mays) Pratylenchus spp, Meloidogyne spp,
Helicotylenchus spp
3 YAM (Dioscorea spp) Scutellonema bradys, Meloidogyne
spp, Pratylenchus spp
4 COWPEA (Vigna Meloidogyne spp, Rotylenchulus,
unguiculata) renifornis, Hoplolaimus seinhorsti
5 RICE (Oriza sativa) Aphelenchoides besseyi, A. oryzae,
Hirschmaniella spp, Meloidogyne
6 BANANA/PLANTAIN (Musa Radopholus similis, Meloidogyne spp
spp)
7 SORGHUM (Sorghum Meloidogyne spp, Pratylenchus spp,
bicolor) Tylenchorynchus spp
8 MILLET (Pennisetum Meloidogyne incognita, Heterodera
typhoides) spp, Longidorus elongatus
9 SOYABEAN (Glyane max) Meloidogyne incognita, Belonolaimus
spp, Hoplolaimus
10 COCOA (Theobroma cacao) Meloidogyne spp, Helicotylenchus
cavenessi, Tylenchorynchus coffee
 19

COMMON WEEDS OF AGRICULTURAL PLANTS

a) FREE-LIVING WEEDS AQUATIC TERRESTRIAL
b) PARASITIC WEEDS
FREE-LIVING
CHARACTERISTICS OF WEEDS
- INDIVIDUAL (i.e. degree of harmfulness)
i) Persistence/Resistance to Control: Some weeds are very difficult to control
because they possess some forms of propagates like seed, rhizome and/or
tuber e.g. Talinum, , Imperata, cylindrica.
ii) High Reproduction Capability: Very successful weeds have the ability to
produce very many seeds in one generation Amaranthus spinosus, have
recorded 235 thousand seed/plant, Tridax about 40 thousand.
iii) SEED DORMANCY: Dormancy is a survival strategy in weeds it
ensures that all viable seeds do not germinate at the same time even when
environmental condition is favorable for all the seed. In this manner weeds
always have a recession of seeds in the soil and this is responsible for
repeated weeding.
COLLECTIVE CHARATERISTICS
1) LARGE POPULATION: Grow very densely around crops of Ageratum,
conyzoides, Bidens pillosa.
2) Aggressiveness: Ability to grow very rapidly and over-shadow crop plant.
3) Precocity: Having several generations within a growing period. i.e.
complete their life cycle within short time.
 20

SOME COMMON WEEDS

FAMILY BOTANICAL COMMOM NAME
NAME
AIZOACEAE Trianthema Horse, purslane
portulacastrum
AMARANTHACEAE Amaranthus, spinosus Horny, Pig weed
ASTERACEAE(ACANTHACEAE) Aspilia, africana, Haemorrhagy,
Ageratum, Plant, goat weed,
conyzoides, Siam weed, Coat
Chromolaena, bottom,
odorata, Tridax
prolumbens
CAESALPINACEAE Cassia hirsute , Stinking cassia,
Daniella oleveiri Ilorin balsam,

POACEAE Andropogon Gambia grass, Blue

gayanum, A.. stem giant grass,
tectorum, Cynodon, Bahama grass,
dactylon, Imperata Spear grass,
cylindrica, Penisetum Elephant grass.
purpureum

WEED DEFINITION:
Weeds are plants that interfere with human activities or in some way intrude upon
human comfort and welfare. They are plants which people have not yet discover
their virtue.
CLASSIFICATION OF WEEDS
Weeds can be classified in several ways that include life cycle, habitat, nutritional
habit and morphological characteristics.
1) LIFE HISTORY: Based on length of time it takes tom die.
a) Annual Weeds: Are weeds that grow from seed germination to seed
production in one or two growing seasons within one calendar year. In
other words they are weeds that complete their life cycle within one
calendar year. Such weeds die during the dry season. E.g. Tridax,
Procumbers, Aspilia, Africana, Ageratum, Conyzoides.
b) Perennial Weeds: Are those that will stay alive for more than one calendar
year even after producing seeds during the growing season proceeding the
dry season. They survive dry season with the aid of perennating
 21

structures/organs such as corns, rhizomes, bulbs, stools and long tap root.
E.g. Chromolaen, Odorata, Tahrium, Triangulae etc.
1) HABITAT: Based on the location of the weed.
a) Terrestrial (Upland) Weeds: Any of the annual weeds can be classified as
terrestrial.
b) Aquatic Weeds: Weeds found on water bodies. E.g. Nymphaea, Lotus,
Pistia, Stratiotes (water Lettuce), Ipomea, Aquatica, Eichhornia, natans
(water hyacinth).
c) Weeds of arable crops
d) Weeds of plantation crops
2) MORPHOLOGY:
a) Narrows leaf weeds - Grasses are usually characterized by narrow leaves
parallel veins and are generally monocotyledons.
b) Broad leaf weeds: Are generally characterized by net veination, tap root
system and are dicotyledons.
3) SCIENTIFIC CLASSIFICATION: Based on binomial scientific
classification based on family general and species.
4) NUTRITIONAL HABITS:
5) PARASITIC PLANTS: On the basis of growth habit, weeds may be
classified into 2: free-living (autotrophic) and parasitic weeds. Weeds that live as
independent organism and manufacture their own food through photosynthesis are
known as autotrophic while those weeds that grow on living tissues of other plants
deriving part or all of their food, water, mineral needs therefore are known as
parasitic weeds.

Parasitic weeds can be classified into

a) Root Parasites: Those which are obligate parasites because they need
chemical stimulant from host plant to initiate seed germination. Root
parasitic weeds include Striga spp and Orobancle spp.
Striga spp (witch weed) are important parasitic weeds causing serious
economic losses to cultivate host crops. Three species are important
namely: Striga hermonthica (millet, Sorghum, rice and sugar cane,
S.aspera (Maize and Cowpea) and S. gesneroides .
Usually chemical exudates from the host plant would stimulate
geminination of the seed and as soon as it germinates the seedlings will
attack itself to the root of plant host deriving assimilates, water and mineral
from the host. After some days when green tissues are established, they
begin to synthesis their assimilate but would still depend on the host root
for water and minerals, thereby causing severe havoc/loss to the crop.
 22

b) Stem Parasites: Attach themselves to the stem of the host plant through
historian. They synthesize their own food but will depend on the host for
water and minerals. Example include: Cuscuta spp (Cuscuta campestris, C.
chinensis, C. reflexa) and Loranthacae (Viscum capitellation, Loranthus
spp) – Mistletoe

PRESSING, DRYING AND PRESERVATION OF WEED SPECIMEN

1) Collect weed specimen around the University.
2) Press them using plant press made up of tub wooden frames each measuring
45cm X 30cm between which specimens are kept in absorbent paper folder
or old newspapers, for partial drying and flattering up.
3) Specimens should be pressed as soon as possible after collection.
4) Mount dry specimen on A4 plain sheets of paper with the aid of stripes of
gummed papers. Cello-tape is not encouraged because it does not last.
5) Label - Date of collection
- Location
- Common name
- Botanical name
- Family