CW-Department of Agricultural Sciences and Technology

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Effects of companion crops on population dynamics of maize lethal necrosis disease vectors in Bomet County, Kenya
(2015-06) Namikoye, E. S.; Kariuki, G.; Kinyua, Z. M.; Githendu, M. W.; Kasina, M.
Maize is the most consumed staple food crop in Kenya with a per capita of 110kg. It is equally an important commercial crop particularly in high potential areas. Currently, the presence of Maize lethal necrosis disease (MLND) has constrained its production. The disease is challenging to manage because it is a co-infection of maize by two viruses, the Maize chlorotic mottle virus and Sugarcane mosaic virus, which are vectored mainly by C0111 thrips iFrankliniella Williamsi) and C0111 leaf aphids (Rhopalosiphum maidis), respectively. This study was carried out to assess the potential for companion crops to act as traps or repellents for these vectors, thus contributing to vector management. Trials were carried out in fanners' fields in Bomet County. Treatments included Napier, coriander, millet, sorghum and maize, arranged in a randomized complete block design with four replicates for two seasons, November 2014- April 2015 and April-August 2015. Each crop was planted either as an intercrop or a border crop with maize as the main crop. We present results from the first season. There were significant differences (P