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Pearl
Millet pests (Northern Namibia)
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Pennisetum glaucum
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Pearl Millet (English)
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omahangu (Oshiwambo)
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1. Pearl Millet Introduction
Pearl millet forms the staple food in
northern Namibia. It is a very robust and drought tolerant crop and will
produce a yield most years despite the dry climate. It is planted (sown)
at the onset of the first rains in November-December and harvested in March
for early varieties or later in April-May for the later maturing, local
varieties. The panicles are threshed on a threshing ground and the grain
is winnowed and stored in large storage baskets made from mopane branches.
These storage baskets each contain about a ton of grain or more. Before
the storage season the containers are lined with clay inside and when they
have been filled, they are sealed with a lid made of clay.
2.
Pearl millet pests
A large number of pests and insects
are associated with the pearl millet crop. Most of them are not very important
but the extension staff should still be able to recognize them and advise
farmers not to overreact. A few of the pests are important, however, and
can reduce yield considerably.
a. The most important pests
b. Less important species
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