Full Length Research Paper

Comparison of two sanitary control methods of Coelaenomenodera lameensis Berti. and Mariau (Coleoptera, Chrysomelidae: Hispinae), an oil palm (Elaeis guineensis Jacq.) leaf miner in West Africa

S. C. Nahounou¹, H. K. Koua^2*, L. R. N. Aboua², G. J. Agnakpa³ and B. P. Séri-Kouassi²

¹Agro-industrial Unit of Palmci Boubo, BP: 261 Divo, Côte d’Ivoire.

²University of Cocody-Abidjan, UFR Biosciences, 22 BP: 582 Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire.

³National Polytechnique Institute, BP: 1093 Yamoussoukro, Côte d’Ivoire.

*Corresponding author. E-mail: hervkoua@yahoo.fr.  Tel: (225)05889990/

(225)08283619.

Accepted 5 January, 2010

   Abstract

Coelaenomenodera lameensis (Coleoptera, Chrysomelidae: Hispinae) is a dangerous pest of oil palm (Elaeis guineensis, Jacquin 1963). Two sanitary control methods (Irho/Cirad method) were compared for the first time on the agro-industrial unit of Toumanguié (Côte d’Ivoire). priou method examines twice more trees and 4 times more palms than the Irho-Cirad’s. Yet the latter presented a rate of sampling of leaflets 10 times superior to the first method and was more economic and sensitive in the detection of the infestation zone (23 against 15). However the priou method detected, a larger total infestation zone (150 ha against 94). Irho/Cirad method provides a better anticipation of probable damage before it occurs. The priou method circumscribed a larger total surface of infested zones. These results are essential in the sanitary management of palm plantations.

Key words: Côte d’Ivoire, Coelaenomenodera lameensis, Elaeis guineensis, infestation zone, IRHO-CIRAD method, PRIOU method.