Abstract:
Bean production is constrained by the infestation of arthropod pests, among which aphid (Aphis
craccivora Koch, Homoptera: Aphididae).Also, bean is also face various threats from diseases
such as the common bacterial blight (CBB), caused by Xanthomonas axonopodis pv. phaseoli
Smith (Xap) and Xanthomonas axonopodis pv. phaseoli var. fuscan Burkholder (Xapf) . The
pest is one of most economically important insect pest causing devastating damage while the is
the most serious biotic constraint of common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) production and
productivity in Kalehe territory, eastern DRCongo. The incidence of the disease/pest, and its
association to agronomic practices and environmental factors remained mainly undermined
(undocumented), in Kalehe territory. The understanding of the intricate interactions between
environmental factors and disease/pest dynamics, can boost/enhance pest management practices
for improved efficiency and sustainability. Bean field surveys were conducted in main
growing villages of Kalehe territory from 2019 to 2024 across main cropping seasons and
environments to determine the linkage between climatic factors distribution and the incidence
of aphids and CBB and analyses its association with socioeconomic and biophysical factors
suspected by farmers are key drivers . Bean fields were surveyed in villages located at
different altitudes in three villages of Kalehe territory. These three villages were randomly
selected for inspection among 15 key bean growing villages of the territory, that are found along
main road Bukavu-Goma. The field survey was conducted to explore the link between
meteorological parameters and aphid population density and CBB. Plants were inspected in
farmers’ fields to count the number of aphids and assess bacterial blight incidence (%). Weekly
field inspections documented aphid levels alongside concurrent meteorological data. Linear
regressions were used to evaluate these relationships. Generalized linear models were used to
explore perception of farmers about key drivers responsible for the fluctuation of the
pest/disease. The results of the study survey revealed that aphids w ere present in all study areas
throughout the year with a fluctuating population density in which the highest density was
concentrated on marshlands/lowlands. The results indicated that climatic factors were among the
best predictors of aphid population dynamics. Aphid infestation varied annually and seasonally... |
