Distribution of passion fruit (Passiflora spp.) pests in Kenya

Passion fruit (Passiflora edulis) is an important fruit crop with great commercial potential since the demand for both fresh fruit and processed juice for both local and export is on the increase. Like in other countries, passion fruit productivity in Kenya is low due to both biotic and abiotic constraints. Pest and diseases contribute largely to non-availability of clean planting material. Woodiness disease caused by viral pathogens is one of the most devastating diseases of passion fruit in the world. The disease results from synergistic interactions of potyviruses that are vectored by aphids. However, the distribution of the economically important pests for the crop is not well documented. Surveillance was carried out to establish the distribution of the pests in the major growing areas in Kenya between March and May, 2019. A total of 69 farms were sampled and 142 samples were collected. Most farmers (95%) prepared their own seeds for sowing from previous crops which they also shared amongst the neighbors. Passion fruit woodiness (PWD) was the major disease observed in most farms in Uasin Gishu, Marakwet, Nyamira and Kisii Counties. Majority of the farmers (75%) rated PWD as the major constraint to passion fruit production followed by Fusarium wilt. However, in Nyeri, Embu and Meru counties, farmers rated fusarium wilt as the major constraint followed by PWD. There was decrease in passion fruit production in all areas surveyed whereas in some Counties like Baringo, Nakuru and Migori had totally abandoned the production of this crop, mainly due to the devastation of PWD. Upto 46% of the samples tested positive for potyviruses. Elgeyo Markwet recorded the highest incidence potyviruses at 69% followed by UasinGishu at 68%. Bungoma County had the least potyviruses incidence at 17%. Fusarium sp and Colletotrichum spp were detected in 4 samples. Passion fruit farming has reduced due to biotic constraints mainly PWD and Fusarium sp. There is need for farmers to access and adopt use of certified seedlings in order increase productivity. Key words: Passion fruit (Passiflora spp), pests, surveillance, Distribution, Kenya