Potential Biocontrol Agents for Bermudagrass in Eastern Ethiopia

Abstract

Shoot flies, including Atherigona laevigata Loew, Oscinella sp and Delia arambourgi (Seguy) were identified as potential biocntrol agents of bermudagrass, Cynodon dactylon (L.) Pers. Shoot damage by these flies of as high as 80% was recorded in wet months. Atherigona laevigata was the dominant shoot fly that infested the weed throughout the year. Four other insect species and seven phytopathogenic fungi were also recorded from the weed. Infestation by the insects was dramatically increased by applying meat meal on he weed; treated plots showed an average o f 58.6% "dead heart" compared with 24.9% for the untreated ones. Possibilities and potentials for use o f these biocontrol agents are discussed.