Sweet Potato Leaf Spot Diseases and Farmer’s Indigenous Knowledge in Parts of Western Kenya

Abstract

Sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas L.) is a starchy, tuberous root with worldwide consumption. Production of sweet potatoes in Kenya is low due to disease constraints, such as fungal sweet potato leaf spot (SPLS), which is not well studied in the region. The infection results in reduced photosynthetic leaf area through premature defoliation and senescence. Effective management of SPLS presents an opportunity for increased production, improved food security and enhanced income. Farmers’ indigenous knowledge on plant disease control can provide a framework to refine current integrated management practices. This study evaluated SPLS occurrence, and assessed farmer’s indigenous knowledge. A multi-stage sampling technique was used to identify sampling plots and disease incidence and severity evaluated using quadrats. Disease incidence significantly (p< 0.05) ranged from 11% to 30.38% at Kakelo and Kamollo villages respectively, while severity was significantly(p < 0.05) highest at Kokwanyo (28.37%) and lowest at Rapogi (15.27%). Most farmers (90.91%) reported SPLS-like symptoms on their farms, although more females were able to differentiate between the diseases. Farmers’ education on sweet potato diseases such as SPLS is recommended to enhance disease management and boost yield.