Diversity of Insects Associated with Banana in Banana Xanthomonas Wilt Epidemic Areas of Western Kenya

Banana Xanthomonas Wilt (BXW) caused by "Xanthomonas campestris pv. musacearum″ (Xcm) is a disease that devastates bananas production. The Xcm kills banana plants quickly, spreads rapidly and causes loss of upto 100%. The BXW disease spread on banana occurs mainly through insect vectors which use banana male flower for nectar. A study on banana insect diversity and abundance in epidemic areas of BXW was done in western Kenya. The objective was to determining the diversity of insects associated with banana in BXW epidermic areas in western Kenya including Busia, Kakamega and Siaya counties. A collection of all types of insects visiting inflorecence parts of banana and on the same inflorescence DNA samples were captured by 2 minutes dipstick to confirm the presence of Xcm using PCR procedures and eclectroforesis gel picture. Insects were positively identified by entomologist with aid of a dicotomous key and pictures. Significantly a diversified insects were found to be associated with banana in BXW in epidemic areas. The Drosophilidae, Apinae and Tephritidae families were most frequently recorded in banana farms. Bees, grass flies, banana fruit flies, flies, wasps, butterflies, beetles, spiders and black ants formed the diversity. Significantly more bees were recorded followed by flies. Isolates from inflorecence samples, positvely confimed the presence of Xcm through eclectroforesis gel picture in the study area in western Kenya.