INSECT PEST DIVERSITY AND RISK ASSESSMENT FOR POTATO IN BANGLADESH

Abstract

The study was conducted in the 20 upazila of 10 selected major potato growing districts of Bangladesh during the period from December 2014 to February 2015 to find out the present status and diversity of insect pests of potato, their risks and management options. The data were collected through interview of 500 potato farmers considering 25 potato farmers from each upazila and 60 field level officers of DAE including one UAO, one AEO and one SAAO. The data were analyzed using computer program SPSS 17.0 version. The result shows that BARI Alu-7 (Diamont) variety and BARI Alu-8 (Cardinal) were the most popular potato varieties cultivated by the farmers. The major sources of potato seeds were the self produced seeds, BADC seeds, seed traders/dealers and neighboring farmers. Mostly (89.20%) potato farmers faced problems with lower market price of the produced potato. Other major problems faced during potato cultivation were diseases, insect pest and weed attack. The BARI Alu-7 and BARI Alu-8 were the most susceptible potato varieties to insect pests and diseases, whereas the Lal-pakhri was the least susceptible to pests. Mostly (98.50%) the potato was infested in the field by cutworm, aphid, potato tuber worm, leaf miner, mole cricket, field cricket and leaf hoppers. Among these insect pests, cutworm and aphid were identified as major pests in the field and caused damage with high and moderate infestation intensity, respectively. Others were identified as minor insect pests of potato caused damage with low infestation intensity. The investigation revealed that 73.50% tubers were attacked by the worm in storage condition and it can be the major storage pest of potato in Bangladesh . Currently cutworm and aphid were more damaging pest of potato in field condition, and potato tuber worm was more damaging insect pest in storage.To control the insect pests in the potato fields, 93.40% farmers used to apply insecticides. Additionaly, other control options like application of flood irrigation, hand picking and poison baits in the furrows were observed specially for controlling cutworm. So for, 95%potato farmers got assistance and advices from pesticide dealers while controlling these pests. Moreover, DAE, NGO’s and neighboring experienced and skill farmers were helped the farmers.