Assessment of Prevalence and Incidence of Sesame Gall Midge (Asphondylia sesami Felt) in Kafta-Humera District Tigray, Ethiopia

Abstract

Gall midge (Asphondilia sesame Felt) is one of the most serious insect pests of sesame threatening sesame production in Tigray, Ethiopia. The aim of the present study was to assess distribution and incidence of sesame gall midge and its association with different agronomic practices. Field survey was conducted in Kafta-Humera, districts in 2019 cropping season. A total of 60 farmers’ fields were assessed for the prevalence and incidence of the insect. Results indicated that 94% of farmers’ fields were infected by sesame gall midge from the total assessed fields. Sesame gall midge incidence ranged from 33.33-100% in the assessed Kebelles. The mean incidence gall midge was 81.74%. The highest mean incidences were recorded from Bereket, Adebay, Lugdi, Rawuyan. However, the lowest was recorded from Freselam.  Mean incidence of sesame gall midge was significantly (p < 0.05) variation with the sowing date, altitude and crop rotation. The lowest mean incidences of sesame gall midge, flower abortion and galled capsule were recorded from the early sowing date, lower altitude and previous grown with sorghum. Overall results of the present study indicated that sesame gall midge is one of the major challenges to sesame production in study areas. Therefore, efforts should be put in place to manage the insect via integration of appropriate management.