Impact of heteropsylla cubana infestation on Leucaena leucocephala in Morogoro and Tanga regions, Tanzania
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Date
2024
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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.
Description
Journal article
Keywords
Heteropsylla cubana- Leucaena leucocephala-Infestation density- Shoot health.