Influence of headbugs (Eurystylus sp.) on sorghum grain mould in the Nigerian savanna

The interaction between headbugs (Eurystylus sp.) and grain mould (GM) on s orghum was examined in held trials carried out at Samaru, Nigeria in the 19 95 and 1996 wet seasons. The results obtained show that in all three sorghu m cultivars tested, insect damage increased the number of fungal colonies a ssociated with the grain. This resulted in lower germination, 1000-grain ma ss and yield in such treatments. Insect damage also altered the relative ab undance of the common fungal flora species as, following insect damage, Fus arium moniliforme (= Gibberella fujikuroi), Phoma sorghina and Curvularia l unata (= Cochliobolus lunatus) were the most common fungi in decreasing ord er of frequency as against the normal order of P. sorghina, F. moniliforme followed by C. lunata. These results are the first clear evidence of intera ctions between headbugs and GM in Nigeria.