Survey of Phytophagous Insects Attacking Oil Palm Seedlings in Nurseries in Delta State, South South Nigeria

Oil palm is the most important plantation crop in Nigeria's South South region, supporting livelihoods of rural communities and generating substantial export revenue. Insect pests attacking oil palm at the nursery stage can cause severe seedling mortality, jeopardizing the establishment of new plantations. This study surveys the species composition and population density of phytophagous insects attacking oil palm seedlings in commercial and research nurseries in Delta State. Monthly inspections will be conducted at six nursery sites for twelve months. Insects found feeding on seedlings will be collected, and damage symptoms documented and photographed. Identification will follow current keys for oil palm insects, and abundance will be compared across nursery management types. Pest load will be correlated with seedling age, fertilizer application, and shade levels. The study expects to document Coelaenomenodera minuta, Gongylus echinops, and various caterpillar species as prevalent pests. Results will provide nursery managers with pest occurrence data to optimize integrated pest management protocols. A simple pest identification card tailored for nursery workers will be produced as an outreach output. Keywords: oil palm nursery, phytophagous insects, Delta State, seedling pests, integrated pest management