Integrated Management Of Groundnut Rosette Disease
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Date
2011Author
Mburu, M.W.K.
Karanja, C. N.
Narla, R. D.
Olubayo, F. M.
Type
PresentationLanguage
enMetadata
Show full item recordAbstract
The ground rosette virus disease (GRD) is the most devastating disease of groundnuts and it is
transmitted by aphids. Identification of methods of controlling the disease would improve
groundnut productivity. A researcher managed field study was conducted in Siaya and Teso
districts of Kenya (March-May 2007) for one season to assess the effects of management
practices on aphid population and groundnut rosette disease (GRD) incidence on three groundnut
varieties (ICGV-SM 90704, ICGV-12991, JL-24). Disease management strategies assessed
included host resistance, trap crops, application of insecticide and rouging. The experimental
design was randomized complete block design laid out as split plot and replicated thrice. Disease
management strategies were allocated to main plots and varieties to subplots. Data on aphid
population and GRD incidence was collected every two weeks and yield at the end of the season.
Pesticide spray reduced aphid population and GRD incidence by 95% and 90%, respectively,
compared to 55-73% and 51-72% where trap crops were used. Rouging infected plants reduced
aphids and GRD incidence by 36% and 37%, respectively. Groundnut grain yield was highest
and comparable where pesticides and trap crops were used but lowest where rouging (42%) and
no control measures (28%) were applied. Groundnut varieties ICGV-SM 90704 and ICGV-
12991 showed resistance to GRD. The highest yields were obtained from the varieties when
aphid control measures were taken. Integrated management of GRD that combines host plant
resistance and pest control increases yields and marginal returns.