The interaction between headbugs (Eurystylus sp.) and grain mould (GM) on sorghum was examined
in field trials carried out at Samaru, Nigeria in the 1995 and 1996 wet seasons. The results obtained
show that in all three sorghum cultivars tested, insect damage increased the number of fungal colonies
associated with the grain. This resulted in lower germination, 1000-grain mass and yield in such
treatments. Insect damage also altered the relative abundance of the common fungal flora species as,
following insect damage, Fusarium moniliforme (≡Gibberella fujikuroi), Phoma sorghina and
Curvularia lunata (≡Cochliobolus lunatus) were the most common fungi in decreasing order of
frequency as against the normal order of P. sorghina, F. moniliforme
followed by C. lunata. These
results are the first clear evidence of interactions between headbugs and GM in Nigeria.