Estimation of Yield Loss of Jatropha curcas Due to Aphthona whitfieldi in Burkina Faso

In Burkina Faso, the leaf beetle Aphthona whitfieldi is the main insect pest of the biofuel plant Jatropha curcas that affects plant growth and seed yield. This study was conducted on-station and on-farm in the district of Leo, southern Burkina Faso, in 2015. It aimed at evaluating the yield losses that A. whitfieldi inflicts to J. curcas. The first experiment used 25 caged trees during the first year of fruit production, on which various numbers of beetles were released. When 200 beetles were released/cage, the defoliation level reached 55% and caused 61% of yield loss. Releases of 400 or more beetles/cage caused a defoliation level of at least 74% and seed losses of 99%. On-farm observations were made on foliage damage and yield loss in three different types of plantations, i.e. sole plantations, plantations intercropped with food crops and hedges. These observations showed that defoliation levels over 50% were common in the three types of plantations, resulting in very low yields. This study shows the importance of beetle damage in the cultivation of J. curcas. It highlights the leaf beetle as main limiting constraint for the production of J. curcas in Burkina Faso.

Automated summary

This study evaluated the yield losses caused by the leaf beetle Aphthona whitfieldi on the biofuel plant Jatropha curcas in Burkina Faso and highlighted the beetle as the main limiting constraint for J. curcas production.