Journal of Entomology and Zoology Studies

Volume 2, Issue 3

Field establishment of the mealy bug, Rhizoecus amorphophalli infested tubers of elephant foot yam, Amorphophallus paeoniifolius

Author(s): Sreerag R.S., Jayaprakas C.A., Nishanth Kumar S., Ragesh L.

Abstract: Elephant foot yam, Amorphophallus paeoniifolius is a popular tuber crop with high production potential. Corm or tuber is the storage organ and on harvest it is used as seed material or as vegetable. Storing the tubers for a longer period attracts several pests. Mealy bug, Rhizoecus amorphophalli is a noxious pest affecting the quality of tubers. Present study aims to check the field establishment of mealy bug infested tubers and analyze the quality of harvested tubers. Fully and partially infested as well as uninfested tubers of elephant foot yam were planted according to standard measures. Results showed that plants established from all categories of seed materials showed normal growth and vigor. Even though harvested tubers from all categories were completely devoid of mealy bug infestation, uninfested batch produced more yield. But, there was no marked variation in the quality parameters among harvested tubers of all categories.

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