Assessing the Incidences of Late Blight Disease on Irish Potato Varieties in Kisii County, Kenya

Abstract

Background: Late Blight Disease, caused by the fungal pathogen, Phytophthora infestans, is a major constraint of Irish potato production in Kenya. The disease can destroy a crop, causing up to 100% yield loss. Small scale holder farmers in Kisii County continuously grow Irish potato that is susceptible to P. infestans which require a number of fungicides sprays. The study was formulated out of the realization that Irish potato plays a major role in food security and contributes to poverty alleviation. Also, the commonly used protectant fungicides for the crop are expensive, hazardous and are not effective against Phytophthora infestans . Aim: To assess the incidences of late blight disease on Irish potato varieties in Kisii County, Kenya. Study Design: The Irish potato farms were selected randomly following a line transect. Twenty nine stops at every ten kilometres were made, three potato farms around every stop were inspected for the presence of late blight infected Irish potato varieties. A total of eighty seven farms were inspected for the presence of late blight. Five late blight infected leaves from each farm were collected for examination in the laboratory.