Seasonal incidence, severity, and spatial distribution of aphid infestation on major crops in southern Somalia

Introduction Aphids are one of the most destructive insect pests worldwide that disrupt crop production by causing harm via direct feeding and transmitting plant viruses. This study examined aphid infestations on major crops in southern Somalia across two cropping seasons, specifically the incidence, intensity, and geographical spread of infestations. Methods Field surveys were carried out during the Gu (April–June) and Deyr (October–December) cropping seasons of 2025 in three major agricultural areas: Afgooye, Beledweyne, and Jowhar. A total of 90 farms were surveyed, with 45 farms assessed in each season. Five major crops were examined, namely maize, sorghum, cowpea, sesame, and tomato. Data were collected on the number of evaluated plants, the number of infested plants, and the extent of infestation using a visual severity scale ranging from 0 to 5. Results The survey results also revealed that aphid infestation was present in all cropsunder examination. However, levels of infestation varied according to crops and seasons. Tomato and cowpea had the highest incidence/severity of infestation, while maize had the lowest. The aphid infestation intensity was highest (54.7%) during the Gu season compared with the Deyr season (42.7%) based on seasonal analysis. There was also spatial heterogeneity, with higher infestation in Afgooye and Jowhar than in Beledweyne. Discussion The findings demonstrated significant seasonal and spatial variation in aphid infestation across major crops in Somalia. The results highlight the need for frequent pest monitoring and the use of an integrated pest management approach to minimize crop loss due to aphids and enhance agricultural productivity in Somalia. The management of aphids will enhance crop productivity and food security in Somalia and contribute to sustainable agricultural development.