Evaluation of Integrated Management Practices of Sweet Potato Weevil (Cylas Puncticollis (Boheman) (Coleoptera: Brentidae) in Bako, Western Ethiopia

Abstract

The study was targeted to evaluate integrated sweet potato weevil (Cylas puncticollis) management practices for quality and high root yield production of sweet potato. It was conducted at Bako Agricultural Research Centre during main season of 2013 and 2014. The treatments were arranged in randomized complete block design in factorial arrangement with three replications. Different ridge height and harvesting date of sweet potato was significantly (p≤0.05) affected Yield of sweet potato. Analyses of variance indicate that the highest marketable root (41.888 tons/ha) was obtained from 30cm ridge height with five month of harvesting date and the lowest marketable root weight (22.125tons/ha) was recorded from 50cm ridge height with six month harvesting date of sweet potato. Application of insecticide was not significantly (p≤0.05) affected the yield of sweet potato. Thus 30cm ridge height and 5month harvesting date after planting of sweet potato was recommended as sweet potato weevil management options to increase its marketable yield and quality of tuber at the area.

Keywords: Sweet Potato Weevil, ridge height, harvesting time