Some Biological Parameters of Caryedon furcatus (Anton & Delobel) (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae), Developing on the Seeds of Senegalia macrostachya (Reichenb. ex DC.) Kyal. & Boatwr. (Fabales: Mimosaceae), an Edible Wild Legume in Burkina Faso

Abstract

The beetle Caryedon furcatus (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) attacks and destroys the seeds of Senegalia macrostachya (Fabales: Mimosaceae), thereby limiting their availability as food throughout the year. Very few studies have focused on the ability of this pest to develop on S. macrostachya seeds. The objective of this study was to determine some bio-demographic parameters of C. furcatus on the seeds of S. macrostachya. The results of this study showed that the peak of female oviposition occurs on the second day after emergence. The female laid during her lifetime, an average of 37 eggs of which an average of 35 hatched, while larval survival until imago was 87.14 %. The weight and size of emerged adults did not differ statistically by sex. However, the sex ratio was female-biased. The mean development time for C. furcatus to complete its development on the seeds of S. macrostachya was 50 days. With a population that doubles every 4.75 days, C. furcatus could cause significant damage to the seed stocks of S. macrostachya.