Evaluation of Different Options: Host Plant Resistance, Weed Management, and Fertilization for the Development of an Integrated Pest Management Strategy for the Sweet Potato Weevil in Burkina Faso

Abstract

The sweet potato weevil (SPW) (Cylas puncticollis) is a destructive pest feeding on the sweet potato in Burkina Faso. This weevil causes severe damage to the tuber, and the infested tuber is unsuitable for human consumption or animal feed. This problem calls for effective control management, especially for non-chemical approaches. A field experiment was carried out from 2012 to 2015 with the aim to develop management methods. Different control methods, including host-plant resistance, weeds management and crop fertilization, were tested. The results showed that two varieties, Zappalo-1 and Resisto were free of any SPW damage (0%) . Similarly, when plots were not weeded tubers of the BF11 variety were free of any SPW damage (0%). Finally, the combination of manure and mineral fertilizer significantly reduced the damage due to the SPW to score as low as 1 compare to 3.5 in the absence of manure. From the current study, it can be concluded that an integrated approach combining resistant varieties, good weeding practices and fertilizer application could be implemented to control the SPW in Burkina Faso.

Keywords

• Cylas puncticollis
• Resistant varieties
• Hand weeding
• Fertilizers
• Burkina Faso