Macropropagation Technology to Produce Banana Seedlings Free from Plant Parasitic Nematodes in Central and Eastern Kenya
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Date
2011
Authors
Njau, N.
Mwangi, M.
Kahuthia-Gathu, R.
Mbaka, J.
Muasya, R.
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
aGRO
Abstract
Banana (Musa spp) is one of the most important food crops contributing to
food "security for majority small holders in Kenya. However, banana
production has not reached its full potential' due to pest infestation. Plan
parasitic nematodes (PPN) are maj or pests ofbanana mostly transmitted to new
fields through infested, planting material. Macropropagation is a technology
that can produce affordable seedlings. A survey was carried out in Eastern and
Central regions in Kenya to determine important banana pests and diseases
PPN was found in more than 20% of the farms surveyed. These were
Radopholus spp. and Pratylenchus spp. Macropropagation nurseries were set
up in Meru Central, lmenti South Mitunguu, Imenti south Tharene, Kerugoya,
Embu and Mathioya districts and in Kenyatta University to evaluate, the
efficiency of Macropropagation 'technology to produce banana seedlings free
fromPPN. Selection of corms was done using an established protocol. Five
functional roots were selected randomly from 10 corms of each variety used for
propagation and scored for nematode damage. Seedlings that arose from the
nurseries were monitored and tested for presence of PPN. Results showed that
92% farmers in the area surveyed use suckers as, the major propagating
material thus increasing the chances of disseminating the pest, Furthermore
less than 15% of the farmers treat their suckers prior to planting. The root:
scored showed that Kampala, Sweet banana, Uganda green and Cavendish
banana varieties had 19%,23 %,36% and 46% damage respectively, indicating
more damage in Cavendish varieties which are used for commercial purposes
100%, of the seedlings showed no symptoms of infestation. No PPN were
extracted from any of the roots. Macropropagation technique can be used to
produce banana seedlings that are free of plant parasitic nematodes. This
technology should be taught to farmers to improve banana productivity and the
life of plantations.
Description
Keywords
Musa spp, Macropropagation, Plant Parasitic Nematodes, Banana varieties