Studies were conducted in Niger in 1986 and 1987 on the population dynamics and parasitism of the millet stem borer, Coniesta (= Haimbachia) ignefusalis (Hampson) (Lepidoptera:Pyralidae), Sesamia calamistis Hampson, and the millet head caterpillar, Heliocheilus albipunctella de Joannis (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae). Planting dates were assessed for effects on population densities of C. ignefusalis and H. albipunctella. Population densities of C. ignefusalis were not reduced by adjusting millet planting dates, but were affected by millet growth stage. Platytelenomus sp. (Hymenoptera: Scelionidae) was the most common parasite of C. ignefusalis on millet. Parasitism of C. ignefusalis larvae and pupae was rare. Sesamia calamistis was a minor pest of millet in Niger, and was rarely parasitized. Population densities of H. albipunctella were reduced by delaying millet planting dates. Bracon hebetor (Hymenoptera: Braconidae) was the most common parasite of H. albipunctella.

Life-fertility tables were described for Bracon hebetor Say (Hymenoptera: Braconidae) developing on the millet head caterpillar (MUC), Heliocheilus albipunclella de Joannis (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae). Mated B. hebetor females lived an average of 24.7 days, oviposited ca. 22 days, and produced 173.7 adult progeny with a 1:1 sex ratio. The estimated innate capacity of increase (ir) and net reproductive rate (R0) were 0.26 and 86.5, respectively. The mean generation time was 1 days.

Eggs of Heliocheilus albipunctella de Joannis were picked up during ear formation of millet at Bambey in 1988 and were followed up in the laboratory at temperatures 25–30°C and 60–70% r.h. Trichogrammatoïdea sp. probably T. armigera parasitized 60.3% of them. During the period in which eggs were collected, percentage of parasitism increased, which certainly means a build-up of parasite populations.

Pearl millet, Pennisetum glaucum (L.) R. Br. is attacked by over 100 species of insect pests, but only a few of these are of economic importance. The two major ones, the millet stem borer, Coniesta ignefusalis Hampson and the earhead caterpillar Heliocheilus albipunctella de Joannis have been the subject of research in the Sahel during the last decade. The various methods that have been suggested for the control of these species are briefly discussed. Generally, the control strategy adopted by farmers involves the use of cultural operations that will reduce insect damage. There are no control measures that have been developed for farmers. The more scientific methods that have been suggested are the results from research trials and experiments. These have several limitations. Future perspectives and considerations for developing sound and practical farmer-oriented practices are discussed.

Spraying of diflubenzuron at 100 g a.i./ha after spike emergence (10–15 cm from flag leaf) was more effective against early larval stages of millet spike worm, Heliocheilus (=Raghuva) albipunctella De Joannis, than spraying the crop at female flowering or at the milky grain stage.