Testing Farmers Knowledge on the Nymphal Stage of Anacridium melanorhodon melanorhodon at Ennohoud Locality, West Kordofan State, Sudan

Abstract

This study was conducted at Ennohoud Locality, West Kordofan State during the season 2013/2014 and dealt with nymphal stages of the tree locust, Anacridium melanorhodon melanorhodon (Orthoptera: Acrididae) the most devastate insect pest of Acacia senegal trees, the major source of Gum Arabic production. This study was designed, generally, to test some local farmer’s knowledge at the selected area. A key informant questionnaire was designed and accordingly filled by interviewing the targeted farmers. 100 respondents from Wad Elhelaw, Abumariga, Greawid, Abu Dagal villages and Ennohoud Crop Market were chosen. Twenty respondents were selected from each. The respondents were interviewed for their experience and knowledge in aspects relevant to the nymphal stage of the tree locust in relation to its impact on Acacia senegal. Data were statistically analysed using IBM-SPSS (version 20) software package. Descriptive statistics were followed for data manipulation. Results publicized that most respondents cannot differentiate between the different nymphal stages. The nymphal stages climb up the trees at August. The main activity of nymphal stages recorded by 95% of the respondent was eating. Fledgling was reached at September as mentioned by 90% of the respondents. Majority of respondents specify that tree locust leave the area at October, at evening and the migration towards South-east. Acacia senegal trees damage was estimated as substantial (< 50% of tree product) and 99% of respondents find severe damage of the tree locust influence on tapping decision. Estimates of crop production damage by tree locust are little. Respondents reported three types of trees affected by tree locust; these were Acacia nubica, Balanites aegyptiaca and Ziziphus spp.