The occurrence of sugarcane yellow aphid (Sipha flava (Homoptera: Aphididae), in Kakamega North Sub-County, Kenya

Abstract

he outbreak of sugarcane yellow aphid (Sipha flava (Homoptera: Aphididae) in Kenya was first reported in the Transmara and South Nyanza sugar zones in 2016. The pest has subsequently observed in the major sugar producing counties in Western Kenya. Serious concerns emerged in the 2018 and 2019 crop seasons when several sugarcane farms in Kakamega County began withering following attack by the pest. A surveillance survey was necessary to ascertain the areas affected in Kakamega North sub county that hosts two leading private sugar millers. Surveys conducted over 6 months revealed that variety CO 421 predominantly grown in the factory zones was severely affected. Plant and ratoon cane crop aged 3-8 months was severely attacked. A prolonged dry spell in the region worsened the pest attacks.The aphids were observed in dense colonies on the lower leaf surface of the sugarcane. Use of pyrethrin lambda-cyhalothrin 17.5 g/L (Duduthrin 1,75EC) at 0.5 lt. in 200-300 L water was recommended as a short term measure with good control of the pest The crop on some farms recovered at late onset of the 2019 rainy season