Important arthropod pests on leafy amaranth (Amaranthus viridis, A. tricolor and A. blitum) and broad-leafed African nightshade (Solanum scabrum) with a special focus on host

Abstract

Leafy amaranths and African nightshades are important African Indigenous vegetables (AIVs) with numerous nutritional and health benefits. However, their production is faced with several challenges - key among them integrated control of arthropod pests. The insect groups attacking these vegetables include a range of hemipterans, dipterans, lepidopterans, and coleopteran species. Moreover, other crop and weed species frequently serve as alternative hosts to amaranth and nightshade pests in absence of the crops or when pest management measures have been applied. This review will evaluate the major pests attacking leaf amaranth and African nightshades and their potential host ranges. Potential viral diseases transmitted by these insects on African nightshades will also be highlighted. The ultimate aim of this review paper is to characterize infection pathways in the production system and agricultural landscape to develop new options of pest control