Assessing the host status of banana and other plant species to the enset root mealybug Paraputo ensete (Williams Matile-Ferrero) (Hem.: Pseudococcidae) in Ethiopia

Ninety backyard gardens in the south-eastern Ethiopian highlands with enset (Ensete ventricosum (Welw.) Cheesman), banana and various annual crops were assessed for presence of root mealybugs (Paraputo ensete (Williams & Matile-Ferrero)). This study presents first observation on banana. pest has until now been exclusively recorded Ethiopia. In Dilla Zuria district Gedeo zone, southern Ethiopia, infested mats ‘Pisang Awak’ (ABB genome) landrace observed adjacent to plants three small-holder gardens. As roots overlapping intertwined, large numbers roots, possibly representing an overpopulation, might have represented a “chance infestation". The smaller size indicate non-optimal host status this crop. Experimental choice no-choice pot trials however provided another indication possible potential additional cultivar ‘Matooke’ (AAA-East African Highland). mealybug was able fully develop, produce viable offspring survive both cultivars. Not all investigated cultivars presented status, susceptibility most Musa remains low. Key words: Choice trials, corm, crawlers, suckers, field survey, cultivars, screenhouse trials.