Distribution of enset root mealybug (Paraputo ensete) and Evaluation of some botanicals against the insect in Dawuro zone south western ethiopia

Abstract

Enset root mealybug (Paraputo ensete) is a major pest of enset plant that hinders the growth and productivity of the enset plant in study area. In the study area, there is no information available to enset producing farmers on enset root mealybug; no study has been conducted on distribution, management practices. Therefore, this study was conducted to assess the distribution of enset root mealybug and evaluation of some botanicals against this pest. A total 153 households were interviewed through semi-structured questioner and information was gathered on their knowledge of P. ensete, damage symptom, spread, and management from three purposively selected districts of Dawuro and nine FAs that represent areas of high, medium and low altitudes. The infestation and Enset samples were collected from 145 households (HHs): five from PAs and fifteen from each three districts, and the levels of infestations were assessed and the populations of enset root mealybugs were record. A total 180 enset were assessed in three districts at the study site