Author(s): Manuel K. Palomar, Rhodora P. Gloria and Constancio M. Napiere

Abstract

A survey of taro-growing areas in Eastern and Central Visayas showed about 10% infection with taro feathery mosaic disease (TFMD). TFMD-infected plants produced the characteristic feathery mosaic with or without mottling of leaves. The symptoms would sometimes be a slight green streak/irregular spots along or in between leaf veins. Symptoms of infection may disappear from a mature leaf and then reappear on the young leaf. Using the Kalpao variety of taro, manual inoculation showed 70% infection after 12.4 days of incubation while insect inoculation gave 63% infection after 15.2 days. The taro planthop-per, Tarophagus proserpina Kirk., was found to be a vector of taro feathery mosaic disease.

Keywords : Colocasia esculenta. Kalpao taro. Tarophagus proserpina. Di-sease distribution. Symptomatology. Feathery mosaic disease.

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