Population dynamics of Characoma stictigrapta Hmps. (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae), on cocoa in Ghana.
Abstract
Studies were carried out in Ghana on the population dynamics of larvae of Characoma stictigrapta Hmps., a pest of the pods and leaves of cacao. Larvae were present on the pods throughout the year and exhibited (as did the pattern and nature of their damage) an aggregatory distribution. Populations in the flush leaves and other vegetative parts of the tree were not present throughout the year but were dependent on the availability of leaves. The natural enemies of larvae and heavy rainfall appeared to keep pest populations at a low level at certain times of year; rainfall, however, also appeared to affect populations of natural enemies.