Exploring the distribution and abundance of groundnut sucking bug (offa) [Rhyparochromus littoralis Dist] across major groundnut-producing regions in North-Eastern Nigeria

Abstract

A multi-locational survey was conducted across Adamawa, Gombe, and Taraba States during the 2021 and 2022 cropping seasons to assess pest dynamics and their impact on groundnut production. This research delves into the intricate dynamics of groundnut pest management, focusing on the prevalence, abundance, and diversity of Rhyparochromus littoralis, a significant insect pest in groundnut cultivation, in the study area. Groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.) serves as a vital cash crop in Nigeria, contributing substantially to the economy and livelihoods of many farmers. However, the presence of insect pests such as R. littoralis poses a considerable threat to groundnut production, warranting comprehensive studies to elucidate their behaviour, impact, and management strategies.   The study meticulously examines the seasonal and spatiotemporal dynamics of R. littoralis within the major groundnut-producing areas, shedding light on its prolific nature characterized by rapid reproduction and high population densities. Through rigorous surveys and data analysis, R. littoralis emerges as a formidable adversary, establishing its status as a major insect pest in the Northeast geo-political zone. The survey conducted on the abundance of the groundnut-sucking bug, Rhyporachromus litoralis Dist, in Adamawa State during the 2021 and 2022 cropping seasons reveals several noteworthy findings. The abundance of R. litoralis varied across different locations and cropping seasons. In 2021, the insect abundance ranged from 2075.67 to 2578.83 across different locations, whereas in 2022, the abundance ranged from 2075.00 to 2677.58.  Statistical analysis indicates a significant difference in insect abundance between the two years, with p-values less than 0.0001 for both years, highlighting the reliability of these differences.  In this study, the presence of the groundnut-sucking bug in groundnut fields was reported in early September in Gombe, while in Adamawa it was in late September but in Taraba, it was in Late October.  By shedding light on the complex interactions within the groundnut ecosystem, this study contributes to a deeper understanding of pest dynamics and underscores the importance of coordinated strategies to safeguard groundnut production in Nigeria's Northeastern region