Abstract
In this study, we established changes in minimum and maximum temperature over the past 20 years, and how these changes are likely to affect the status of key banana pests and black Sigatoka disease in main banana cropping systems. A survey was conducted at elevations of 1200, 1400, 1600 and 1800 m above sea level in 13 sites previously used in 1992/1993. Mean monthly minimum and maximum temperatures at different elevations were computed between 1991 and 2013 and used to determine the temperature change. Data was collected on weevil damage, nematode populations and black Sigatoka severity. Changes in weevil damage, nematode population densities and black Sigatoka severity were determined. Pearson’s correlation analysis was used to establish relationship between minimum and maximum temperature change, changes in weevil damage, black Sigatoka severity and nematode population densities at different elevations. Results show that minimum temperatures in sites above 1400 masl increased by 1°C over the 20 years. Key banana pests and black Sigatoka disease were observed at elevations where they had not occurred before. Change in black Sigatoka disease, Rhadopholus similis, Helicotylenchus multicinctus and Meloidogyne spp. positively correlated with change in both temperature but change in banana weevil’s damages positively correlated with maximum temperature. Key words: Temperature change, banana weevils, nematodes, black Sigatoka disease.
Highlights
Global warming presents a challenge to agricultural industry
To assess the effect of changes in temperature on the key banana pests and disease, data was obtained on the following parameters: daily minimum and maximum temperatures, banana weevil assessment, nematode assessment and black Sigatoka disease
According to Rosenzweig et al (2000), a change in temperature is significant enough to influence the insect populations and disease incidence as well as their distribution. It may influence the physiology, abundance, phenology and distribution of the insect pests (Lastuvka, 2009) and pathogenicity of fungal diseases (Lindner et al, 2010). This may explain the increase in nematode populations, weevil damage and black Sigatoka severity and distribution over time in different altitudes observed in this study, which were strongly correlated with the increase in temperature
Summary
Global warming presents a challenge to agricultural industry. The productivity of the industry dependents on climate because temperature, light and water are the main drivers of crop growth (Olesen and Bindi, 2002; Colwell et al, 2008). Plant diseases and pest infestation are influenced by climate (Das et al, 2011; Rosenzweig et al, 2000). The survival, propagation and dispersal of plant pests and pathogens are significantly influenced by the environmental conditions (Agrios, 1997).
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callMore From: African Journal of Environmental Science and Technology
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
