Population Dynamics And Management Of Vectors Of Viruses Causing Maize Lethal Necrosis Disease In Bomet County Kenya

Maize production in Kenya is under threat due to infection by maize lethal necrosis disease (MLND). The disease is known to cause intensive complete yield loss. It is caused by a synergistic infection of maize by maize chlorotic mottle virus and sugarcane mosaic virus which are mainly vectored by corn thrips (Frankliniella williamsi, Hood) and corn leaf aphids (Rhopalosiphum maidis, Fitch) respectively. This study was carried out with the aim of investigating the following aspects; farmer‘s knowledge and practices on vectors of MLND causing viruses, movement and dispersal of the two vectors in a maize farm and various management strategies through sticky roll trapping, varietal tolerance, action threshold levels, polycropping systems and biocontrol strategies towards the control of the disease and vectors. Field trials were carried out in Bomet County for two seasons from November 2014 to September 2016 using a randomized complete block design. Data was collected by counting vectors, scoring for MLND severity and disease incidence. Presence of MCMV, SCMV virus was also carried out using ELISA tests. Data was analyzed using Genstat version 17 to get mean and significant means were there after separated using LSD. Survey results indicated majority of respondents in Bomet as being youths aged between 21 to 30 years while 58% of the farmers had attained education up to upper primary level. Only 23% were high school graduates. Majority of farmers were aware of MLND but only 3% knew about the vectors of MLND.The use of vertically positioned blue sticky traps were more attractive to corn thrips compared to the yellow ones (P = 0.023). Similarly, blue sticky rolls trapped more corn thrips and prevented maize from MCMV infection (P