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SUMMARY A study of Buzura edwardsi Prout, a pest of Pinus patula Schiede and Deppe was made on Sheba Estate in the Eastern Districts of Zimbabwe, following an outbreak and subsequent population collapse. A life table study, combined with an extensive sampling scheme, indicated that a larval virus may be an important mortality factor, possibly causing the further population decline during the study. A laboratory study showed that B. edwardsi larvae preferred new to old foliage and older to younger trees. B. edwardsi larvae were found to be strongly photopositive; they exhibited a weaker negative geotactic response. A fecundity study revealed a relationship between pupal size and weight and potential fecundity. Two epidemic populations showed lower fecundities than one endemic population. B. edwardsi is not thought to be a serious threat; prospects for control by dissemination of virus diseases are good. |
