Effects of farming practices on populations of two grasshopper pests(Kraussaria angulifraKrauss andOedaleus senegalensisKrauss (Orthoptera: Acrididae) in Northern Nigeria

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Abstract
The effects of farming practices, continuous cropping, fallowing, cattle grazing and afforestation on the populations of two grasshopper pests, namely, Kraussaria angulifera and Oedaleus senegalensis were investigatged at Gumel, in the savanna zone of Nigeria. The populations of the adults and the nymphs of the grasshopper species were assessed by flushing quadrats in eight habitats. The Azadirachta indica (neem) plantation and the cropped fields of millet (Pennisetum americanum) surghum (Sorghum bicolor) and sorghum intercropped with Benniseed (Sesamum indicum) had lower populations of grasshoppers than the grazing field, fallow lands and Acacia arabica plantation. Intensification of fallow resulted in an increase in grasshopper numbers. Trampling by cattle did not significantly affect the viability of grasshopper eggs in the fields. Cultivation and afforestation affected grasshoppers adversely. K. angulifera was more vulnerable to cultivation pressure than O. senegalensis.