Distribution of potato tuber moth (Phthorimea opercullela (Zeller) and damage caused by potato tubers (Solanum tuberosum L.)
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Date
2011Author
Olubayo, F
Were, S
Nderitu, J. H
Kilalo, D
Koech, A.
Type
PresentationLanguage
enMetadata
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Potato tuber moth complex of P. operculella (Zeller), Tecia solanivora (Povolny) and
Symmetrischema tangolias (Geyen) has a worldwide distribution and is a major pest of potatoes
affecting seed potato and ware potato in the field and store. A survey was undertaken in five
major potato growing regions of Kenya to identify the pest species and determine the distribution
of the pest and damage on tubers. Five thousand tubers were collected randomly from four
quarters of farmers’ stores from different areas and transported to the entomology laboratory at
Kabete Campus University of Nairobi for storage. Destructive sampling was done on the tubers
to determine the damage and moths’ activity on collection and after three months of storage.
Adult moths emerging after three months of storage were trapped and the species occurring in
different regions identified using entomological identification keys for Lepidoterans. Mines and
larvae in tubers were counted to assess damage. Damage on tubers at collection and after three
months of storage was not significantly different between the five main areas where they were
collected (p<0.05). However, Njambini area had the least number of larvae and mines at initial
assessment while Bomet and Limuru had highest number of larvae and mines, respectively. After
three months of storage, Limuru had the highest number of larvae and mines in tubers while
Njambini and Meru had the least number of mines and larvae. Only one pest species
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Phthorimaea operculella was identified. These results indicate continued activity of moths in the
stores and that there are areas such as Njambini where PTM infestation and activity is minimal.
The area could be considered for seed production complemented by some management of the
pest in the store for preservation.
Citation
Olubayo, F.; Were, S.; Nderitu, J. H.; Kilalo, D. and Koech, A.;Distribution of potato tuber moth (Phthorimea opercullela (Zeller) and damage caused by potato tubers (Solanum tuberosum L.)in farmers stores;in farmers storesAgro 2011 Biennial conferenceUON, Nairobi, 20th- 28th 2011Publisher
University of Nairobi, college of agriculture and veterinary sciences,