Problem Statement: Namibia’s most agriculturally productive lands lie in the north-central and northeastern regions of the country. These areas are the ‘grain baskets’ of the country, allowing for a degree of self-sufficiency in food production. Recently, maize production was adversely affected by false cutworm damage to seedlings. The culprits were identified as larvae of a darkling beetle (Coleoptera; Tenebrionidae; Genus Zophosis). The larvae were undeterred by the standard treatment of maize seeds and were not previously known to attack maize.

Methods: Adult beetles obtained from breeding larvae could be identified relatively easily using reference collections and a comprehensive taxonomic treatise that were available within the country. A literature search revealed an obscure reference to similar problems in northeastern Africa.

Outcomes and Impacts: Following identification of the pest and after testing various alternative seed treatments, a pesticide formulation was found that prevents beetle damage to sprouting maize. The economic value of finding an early solution to an emerging problem is not known nor easily calculable, but is considerable.

Lessons: This problem could be solved effectively and promptly because, some ten years before, a local taxonomist completed a comprehensive study of the darkling beetle group. The existence of a comprehensive reference collection of taxonomic voucher specimens and information made rapid identification possible. This demonstrates that taxonomic information and expertise can be applied to solve a variety of problems but that these cannot always be determined in advance.