RP-Department of Agricultural Sciences and Technology

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Browsing RP-Department of Agricultural Sciences and Technology by Subject "African Nightshade"

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    Current Occurrence and Management Options for Bacterial Wilt Caused By Ralstonia Solanacearum in African Nightshade Kenya
    (Asian Journal of Management Sciences & Education, 2021) Njau, Njeri; Losenge, Turoop; Kiirika, Leonard; Maina, Mwangi
    Ralstonia solanacearum is responsible for bacterial wilt epidemics in a wide range of cultivated crops including solanaceae, bananas, and geraniums among others. The pathogen has the ability to thrive in wide temperature ranges enabling a wide geographical distribution but tends to be aggressive in warm and humid regions. Climatic conditions in Sub-saharan Africa are optimal for the pathogen multiplication. R. solanacearum is capable of surviving for long periods in soil, crop residues and irrigation water owing to its great metabolic adaptability. Indigenous vegetables form an important component in people’s diets. African nightshades are solanaceous crops and are among the most popular indigenous vegetables. Their production is threatened by the devastating bacterial wilt pathogen R. solanacearum. Nightshades are important in food security and are a rich source of vitamins, micronutrients and roughage. Initially the vegetable was consumed by the rural poor but its popularity has risen due to its multiple health benefits. They also possess phytochemicals such as antioxidants, one of the body’s defense compound against diseases. African nightshades are vital in curbing hidden hunger especially among vulnerable communities. A survey was done in selected areas in Kenya to determine the current status of the pathogen in African Nightshade farms. R. solanacearum affecting African nightshades was confirmed in various parts Western, Central and Rift valley regions. Several management options have been used including use of chemicals as fumigants and amendments, solarization, biological control with the aim of reducing the population. However, no single control method has been completely successful. The aim of this paper is to give insights to the current status of bacterial wilt and the current management options against bacterial wilt in African Nightshades in Kenya.