International Journal of Entomology Research

Authors
Ouali N’goran San-Whouly Mauricette, Ehounou Prisca Gnanda, Akesse Ettien Narcice

Abstract
For the domestication of Rhynchophorus phoenicis to increase its availability, the objective of this study is to find alternative and accessible substrates for its rearing. In the laboratory, under 27.86 ± 0.5 °C and 74.15 ± 2.2% relative humidity, upon emergence, the imagos were put on palm trunk, sugarcane and banana stem. The development cycle was followed until their death. In no-choice experiments, fertility was 87, 91, and 56% respectively on palm trunk, sugarcane and banana stem. In choice experiments, fertility was 89 ± 1.2% on sugarcane, 83 ± 1.4% on palm trunk and 30 ± 0.9% on banana stem. The larval development duration was 19.38 ± 1.46 days on the palm trunk, 24.86 ± 0.7 days on sugarcane and 44.52 ± 1.01 days on the banana stem. The total cycle time was 119.12 ± 3.1 days on the banana stem, 107 ± 2.41 days on the sugarcane and 104.31 ± 2 days on the palm trunk. A significant difference was observed in the differents value (P < 0.05). Apart from the palm trunk, sugarcane is alternative substrate for the breeding of R. phoenicis although the banana stem also gives satisfying results.