Survey of Insects and Diseases of Fruit Crops in SNNPR: In the Case of Kafa Zone

Abstract

The aim of this study was to identify and document diseases and insect pests of major fruit crops of Kafa Zone. The survey was conducted in 2012/13 fiscal year during belg cropping season at Gewata and Chena Districts. The elevation of the surveyed area was ranged from 1445 to 1792 m.a.s.l.  Major fruit crops of the study area were Avocado, Mango, Banana, and Orange whereas Lemon, Papaya, Pineapple, Sconcoya (“Gishita”), Guava, Jackfruit, and Apple were the minor fruit corps of the study area. Several diseases and insect pests were recorded and identified in the surveyed area. Some pests were found to be major – which needs to take action – and others were minor during the time of survey. The most important insect pests of the area were Fruit flies (on Mango and Orange), and Citrus leaf miner and scale insects (on Orange and Lemon). Also, Citrus leaf and fruit spot (on Orange and Lemon), Fusarium wilt of Banana (on Banana), Anthracnose (on Mango, Avocado and Papaya), Powdery mildew (on Avocado, Papaya and Mango), and Scabs (on Avocado) were important diseases of fruit crops of the area. Besides, Apes, Birds and Rats were among the vertebrate pests of fruit crops in the area. Therefore, the diseases and insect pests that were recorded as important pests needs researches and development intervention works. Moreover, regular monitoring strategy has to be designed since; one minor pest at a time became major pest on other time.

Keywords: Fruit crops, Diseases, Insects pests, and Vertebrate pests of fruits