Studies on Insect Pests and Diseases of Chayote, Sechium Edule (Swartz.) in Kenya
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Date
2011
Authors
Kahuthia-Gathu, R.
Mwangi, M.
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
aGRO
Abstract
The chayote, Sechium edule Sw., belongs to the family Cucurbitaceae. All parts
of the plant can be utilized including the fruit, seed, tuberous roots and young
shoots. Yields of up to 1,500 fruits per plant have been recorded. A study was
conducted to investigate the pests that attack this crop. Mature plants were
observed for pest damage, punctured and wounded fruits were harvested,
placed in plastic containers and observed daily for larval and subsequent pupal
development. The pupae were harvested using forceps, placed in plastic vials
and observed daily for adult emergence. The emerged adults were identified,
sexed and counted. Data was analysed using SAS. The leaves were infested by
sap sucking pests; thrips, Spider mites Tetranychus ludeni, Cotton aphid Aphis
gossypii, White flies Bemisia tabaci, brown bugs, leaf feeders; Spodoptera
species and coleopteran. The fruits were infested by fruit flies Dacus bivittatus
andD. ciliatus and two unidentified dipteran species. An average of seven fruit
flies was collected from each fruit. Fruit flies significantly reduced fruit yields
and marketability; causing fruit rot and deformation. The wounds caused by
insects provided entry points for fungal pathogens. Fruit fly larvae that came
into contact with the fungus died. But those that developed within the fruit and
only came to the surface for pupation were able to pupate and emerge as adults.
Only one gregarious larval-pupal parasitoid, Oomyzus species (Hymenoptera:
Eulophidae) was recorded from one cocoon of fruit fly, from where sixteen
adults emerged comprising offive females and eleven males. The main disease
was powdery mildew which. led to the drying •of the leaves. The results
demonstrate that that S. edule is attacked by a wide- variety of pests. More
research is .needed to develop an effective IPM programme and to support
adoption ofthe vegetable to improve in slums and semi arid areas.
Description
Keywords
Sechium edule, Insect pests, Parasitoids, Yield, Diseases