Insect species assosiated with african indigenous leafy vegetables (amaranthus hybridus and solanum scabrum) in Taita district, Kenya
View/ Open
Date
2011-09Author
Lenihan, E.
Mwang'ombe, A.
Shibairo, S.
Mnyambo, J.
Olubayo, F.
Language
enMetadata
Show full item recordAbstract
The African Indigenous Leafy Vegetables (AlLY's) form a substantial
proportion of the diets of most Kenyans. They are known to have a good yield
potential and ability to address food insecurity and nutritional problems among
the rural populations. However, the production of AlLY's has been faced with
constraints, among them insect pests infestation which cause considerable yield
losses. To establish the range of insect pests constraining production of AlLY's
at the Kenyan Coast, a study was conducted in Taita district. The study covered
four successive plantings between May 2008 and March 2009, aiming at
documenting the insect pests associated with the major AlLY's (Amaranthus
hybridus and Solanum scabrum). In addition, the study sought to delineate the
most economically important insect pests and development of control
measures. In the farmers' fields, seedlings were planted in plots of 3mx3m
under completely randomized blocks. To quantify the insect pests, three leaves
were sampled from ten randomly selected plants for twelve weeks after
transplanting. The insect species counts were identified using entomological
identification keys, diagrams in books and by comparison with insect
collections preserved in the Entomology laboratory of Kabete Campus,
University of Nairobi. Twelve insect species belonging to six insect orders
infested the AlLY's in all the four plantings. However, Tetranychus species
infested the plantings done during the dry and hot seasons. Four major insect
species caused major damage on the vegetable leaves, stems and fruits with the
most important species being aphids, cutworms, flea beetles and red spider
mites. Some nine insect species were of minor importance, as their infestation
had less damage and hence little impact on yield losses. Three other beneficial
species were identified as natural enemies of the insect pests. It is recommended
that these be considered for conservation in pest management strategies
designed for the management of the pests.
Citation
Optimimization of Agricultural Value Chains for sustainable DevelopmentSponsorhip
National Council of Science and Technology, The Kenya Seed CompanyPublisher
Faculty of Agriculture, University of Nairobi
Description
aGRO 2011 Biennial Conference presentation