New Records of Mealybugs on Sprouted Potatoes in Storage at Kulumsa, South East Ethiopia - A Potential Future Threat for Potato Production

Potato has lived with several diseases and insect pests such as late blight and potato tuber moth for several decades. However, newly emerging insect pest known by the name 'mealybug' is recorded as a new threat for potato production in the highlands of Arsi, Southeast Ethiopia. This pest has never been observed in the area in the history of potato culture in which potato has been grown for many years. Therefore, awareness creation should be the primary step by which any respective stakeholders including potato growers, research institutions, ministry of agriculture; NGOS, etc. are informed about the importance of the pest. This will help to look for appropriate management options and take the necessary precautions before the pest becomes important in other areas in the country. Keywords: DLS, Potato tubers, Solanum tuberosum, Storage pest DOI: 10.7176/JBAH/10-11-03 Publication date:June 30th 202