Distribution and host range of Bemisia tabaci and other whitefly species in major horticultural production areas in Kenya

Abstract

Horticulture is the second most important export earner to Kenya after tea. The sector is faced with several challenges with pests and diseases being ranked as the most important. Whitefly, Bemisia tabaci Gennadius (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae) is an important pest of many horticultural crops. Kenya has had several produce interceptions in international markets due to the presence of B. tabaci, which is a quarantine pest in most territories including the European Union.  A survey was undertaken to determine the distribution of B. tabaci in major horticultural areas in Kenya. A total of 26 districts were visited during the survey and whitefly samples were collected from different crops. Collected samples were submitted to the plant quarantine station Muguga laboratories for analysis. Five whitefly species were identified: Bemisia tabaci (62.4%), Trialeurodes vaporariorum (25.9%), Aleurodicus species (9.8%), Aleurodicus disperses (1.6%) and Aleurocanthus woglumi (0.1%). Bemisia tabaci and T. vaporarium were observed in most plants while the rest had a limited host range. Bemisia tabaci and T. vaporariorum were collected in almost all the districts surveyed indicating that the two whitefly species are distributed in most of the horticultural production areas.