Asian Research Journal of Agriculture

The watermelon bug, Coridius viduatus (F.) is a real threat to watermelon Citrullus lanatus (Thunb.) in western Sudan, where over 80% of the population relies economically on agriculture. In order to overcome this constraint, a study was carried out at University of Alfashir, North Darfur State, to investigate biology, food preference and dispersal of watermelon bug. A survey was conducted on season (2013/2014) to determine the movement and dispersal of the watermelon bug in the area around Alfashir. Biology of the bug was studied under laboratory conditions, preoviposition, oviposition, incubation and post oviposition periods were calculated. Food preference and non-preference by the bug to four watermelon varieties and tow cucurbit ones were also evaluated; a field experiment was conducted, a randomized complete block design was used. The field survey results indicated that there was a regular movement from plant shelters, mountain crevices and soil cracks to the field crop and back again to aestivation sites. Results showed that the bugs preferred improved watermelon varieties (Crimson, Sugar baby and Congo) to the local watermelon variety (Saphinga), the different life cycle stages of the bug were determined. The bug aestivation shelters were determined, local watermelon varieties could be cultivated however further work should be done to improve their productivity.