Impact of Heteropsylla cubana infestation on Leucaena leucocephala in Morogoro and Tanga regions, Tanzania

Abstract

Heteropsylla cubana has damaged Leucaena leucocephala in Tanzania since its 1992 outbreak while its impacts remain unclear to date. This study aimed to assess the impact of Heteropsylla cubana on L. leucocephala, a valuable multi-purpose tree in Tanzania. Using the Point Centre Quarter method, the study observed L. leucocephala in Morogoro and Tanga regions to determine the population density of H. cubana, infestation density, and shoot health. Descriptive statistics were used to calculate the frequency and mean population density of H. cubana, infestation density, and shoot health. Analysis of Variance was used to compare the mean population density of H. cubana among different diameter at breast height (dbh) classes and crown parts. The findings show that the population density of eggs of H. cubana differed significantly among crown levels in Morogoro, but not in Tanga. There was no significant difference in nymph and adult population density among crown levels or dbh classes in both regions. The infestation density and shoot damage were slightly higher in Morogoro than in Tanga, but both regions had good shoot health. Farmers can safely plant L. leucocephala without fear of H. cubana, as its population is below injury level in the study areas.