Impact of Bacterial Wilt on Potato Production in Elgeyo–Marakwet County, Kenya

Abstract

Potatoes are a major food crop grown in Kenya which contributes greatly to national food security and economic empowerment among small scale farmers. However, there has been marked decline in yield due to disease that results in low income and food insecurity. This study sought determine the prevalence of bacterial wilt, economic impacts and establish the trend of bacterial wilt over time in the area with a view to developing strategies to curb this menace. Simple random and stratified sampling was used to select farmers included in the study. Data was collected using questionnaires and observation schedules and analyzed using SPSS.  Chi square test used to test significance of the disease. Results showed that the bacteria Ralstonia solanacearum is most destructive at a higher altitude at lower levels. The destructive activity was found to increase with increase in altitude with yield losses and income decreasing proportionately from farm E the lowest number of bags of potatoes (30%), followed by Farm D (24%), C (20%), B (16%) and farm A (16%) with the highest number of healthy potatoes. Comparison of effect of bacterial wilt on potato crop between the years 2012-2014, showed fluctuations in the mean number of bags per acre with farm E (28.3), D (33.3), C (38.3), B (40.3) and A (40.3). The year 2014 had lower yields due to severe climate change that occurred and presumed increasing resistance of bacteria to pesticides. Bacterial wilt was found to be an issue of concern due to high yield losses with resultant decreased income. The study recommends intervention strategies such as integrated disease management and use of resistant varieties to curb the disease.