Field survey of insect pests associated with sweetpotato (Ipomoea batatas l.) genotypes planted in Otobi Benue State, Nigeria

Abstract

Sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas L.) plays a major role in human and animal nutrition and enterprise. The production of sweetpotato in the world has been low due to several abiotic and biotic factors. The aim of the study was to determine theinsect pests associated with sweetpotato genotypes planted in the open field in Otobi Benue State, Nigeria. The research was carried out in a plot of land (9m² )at National Root Crops Research Institute substation in Otobi, Benue State from July to November, 2021. Three months old sweetpotato vine cuttings of between 25 and 30cm long, with 3 to 4 nodes were planted on the ridges made in the plot of land. The experiment was laid out in a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with three replications. A total of 1,575different insect species were collected in Otobi, Benue State. The insects represent fourteen species of five orders at different stages of development were found to be associated with sweet potato crop in the study area. The grasshopper recorded the highest number of 214(13.59%) while the Hawk moth recorded the least number of 18(1.14%). The result has provided a comprehensive list of important pests of sweet potato and beneficial species that can be exploited as components of future integrated management approaches.