Homopteran pests complex of citrus (Citrus Sinensis) in semi-arid Kenya
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Date
2011-08Author
Olubayo, F
Kilalo, D
Obukosia, S
Shibairo, S
Kasina, M
Type
ArticleLanguage
enMetadata
Show full item recordAbstract
On farm studies in collaboration with farmers who grow citrus were conducted in upper midlands and lower midlands agroecological
zones in Machakos district Kenya. The aim of the study was to understand the factors affecting population
fluctuations of homopteran pests attacking citrus in Kenya. White flies (Aleurothrixus flocossus Maskell) and black flies
(Aleurocanthus woglumi Ashby) were the most common pests of citrus observed throughout the monitoring. Aphids
(Toxoptera citricidus Kirk.) and psyllids (Triozae erytreae Del Guercio) were occasional pests while scales (various) were
rare attacking only a few plants within the farms. Time period of sampling had an effect on whitefly, psyllid and blackfly
populations. Aphid populations were not affected by the sampling time period. However, there were ecological differences
in the development of aphid, blackfly and psyllid populations. It has been observed that populations of homopteran pests
on citrus trees do vary with time. There was one major flush period of the citrus trees during the monitoring period. High
aphid and psyllid populations seemed to coincide with the flush period. Flushing of the trees may have contributed in the
variation of the pest populations that were being monitored. These findings are discussed in relation to their possible use in
the development of integrated pest management (IPM) strategies for the management of these pests.
Citation
Int. J. Sustain. Crop Prod. 6(2): 23-28 (August 2011)Publisher
Department of Plant Science and Crop Protection, University of Nairobi Entomology Section, Kenya Agricultural Research Institute