Data on Insect Pest in Oil Palm
Description
This dataset contains field survey data on the abundance, diversity, distribution, and infestation of insect pests associated with oil palm (Elaeis guineensis Jacq.) in the Western Zone of Tanzania. Data were collected from selected oil palm-growing areas in Kigoma, Katavi, and Tabora regions during the wet season (January–March 2025) and the dry season (June–August 2025). The dataset captures variation in insect pest occurrence and infestation across geographical locations, plantation age categories, and sampling periods. Oil palms were grouped into three age categories: young palms (3–5 years), middle-aged palms (6–8 years), and older palms (10 years and above). Field observations recorded pest species, pest abundance, the number of affected plants, the plant parts infested, and the nature and severity of damage. Insect specimens were collected using hand picking from palm fronds, trunks, and fruits, sweep netting for flying insects, and pitfall trapping for crawling insects. Specimens were preserved in 80% ethanol following treatment with ethyl acetate and transported to the entomology laboratory at Sokoine University of Agriculture for morphological identification using diagnostic keys.
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Data Collection Methods and Procedures We collected data through field surveys of oil palm (Elaeis guineensis Jacq.) plantations in Kigoma, Katavi, and Tabora regions of Western Tanzania. The study investigated insect pest diversity, abundance, distribution, and infestation patterns across 3 palm age groups (3-5years), (6-8 years), and (above 10 years) in sampling seasons. Field data collection involved visual inspection of selected oil palm trees, hand collection, sweep netting, and pitfall trapping. Researchers conducted visual inspections to record insect pest occurrence and assess plant damage. Hand collection was used to obtain specimens from palm fronds, trunks, and fruit bunches. Sweep netting was conducted twice per week by two researchers walking between plantation rows in an S-shaped pattern, sweeping at approximately five-step intervals. Pitfall traps were used to capture ground-active insects. Sampling covered the rainy season (January–March 2025) and the dry season (June–August 2025) to assess seasonal variation in pest abundance and distribution. Insect specimens were collected and preserved using appropriate procedures, including ethyl acetate and 80% ethanol, as applicable. The specimens were transported to the entomology laboratory at Sokoine University of Agriculture (SUA), Morogoro, Tanzania, for identification using taxonomic keys and reference materials. Field observations and laboratory identification records were entered and organized in Microsoft Excel. Statistical analyses were performed using R software in RStudio. Analyses included comparisons of pest abundance among regions and species, assessment of differences across seasons and palm age groups, and calculation of species diversity indices. Statistical significance was evaluated at the 5% significance level.