Abstract: An increasing demand for pollination services highlights the need for research on alternative pollinators for greenhouse and open field food crops. We compared the foraging behaviour and effectiveness of seven endemic African Meliponinae (Meliponula bocandei, Dactylurina schmidti, Plebeina hildebrandti, Meliponula lendliana, Hypotrigona gribodoi, Meliponula ferruginea, Meliponula togoensis) as alternative pollinators to honey bees of greenhouse cultivated Cantaloupe melons. It was ...
Abstract: In sub-Saharan Africa, three fruit dlies: Ceratitis cosyra (Walker, C. fasciventris (Bezzi) and C. capitata (Wiedemann) (Diptera: Tephritidae) are important pests of commercial fruits. C. cosyra and C. fasciventris affect.....(continue from the attached PDF)
Abstract: Arabica coffee Coffea arabica L. is an important cash crop supporting millions of households in East Africa. However, the crop faces challenges of infestation by some insect pests that lead to substantial economic loss and lower quality of beans. The Antestia bugs, Antestiopsis spp. (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae), the coffee berry borer, Hypothenemus hampei (Ferrari) (Coleoptera: Curculionidae: Scolytinae) and the African coffee white stem borer, Monochamus leuconotus (Pascoe) (Coleopte...
Abstract: The tomato red spider mite, Tetranychus evansi Baker and Pritchard, is an important pest of tomatoes in Kenya. Acaricides commonly used in excessive amounts by farmers have led to cases of resistance as well as widespread residues in the food chain and the larger environment. There is need to seek alternative control measures such as the use of endophytes. In this study, laboratory and greenhouse experiments were carried out to screen for Beauveria bassiana isolates that could esta...
Abstract: Vegetable production is increasing in order to feed the growing urban populations in subSaharan Africa. Net houses are one possible solution to increase the quality and yield of cowpea, an important leafy vegetable, and to reduce the use of pesticides. This study tested the hypothesis that net houses do not protect cowpea against the Black Legume Aphid,Aphis craccivora or Bean Flower Thrips, Megalurothrips sjostedti, two small but major cowpea pests. Thus, a possibility to suppleme...
Abstract: Sweetpotato potyviruses [Sweet potato feathery mottle virus (SPFMV), Sweet potato virus G (SPVG) and Sweet potato virus 2 (SPV2)] commonly infect sweetpotato and weedy morning glories in the USA. These viruses are transmitted in a non-persistent manner by various aphid species and cause up to 15% yield loss. Sweetpotato is vegetatively propagated, and in the USA growers are supplied with virus tested propagation material to minimize impact of viruses. However the rapid re-infection...
Abstract: Climate change is a key emerging threat to the lives and livelihoods of smallholder farmers in Ethiopia. This study examines small-scale farmer adaptation strategies to climate change and climate variability, and the factors affecting adaptation choice inJimma, Southwestern Ethiopia. This research used a ‘bottom-up’ approach, which seeks to capture insights from the farmers. Primary data was collected through a household survey, focus group discussions and key informant intervi...
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Abstract: Studies were conducted at the International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology, Mbita Point Field Station (MPFS) fana and the Lambwe Valley fanaer's field during 1983 - 1985 , to detenaine the natural population changes of Maruca testulalis Geyer (Lepidoptera; Pyralidae). The role of natural enemies, host plants and cliaetic factors on natural population, development and survival of M· testulalis was investigated. Further investigations on the biology of Tetrastichus sesaaiae...
Abstract: This study sought to examine the collaborative participation approach and technology adoption. The objective of this study was to determine the linkage between socio-economic factors in collaborative participation and technology adoption and diffusion among Trans Nzoia district resource-limited farmers. Collaborative participation involves farmers, researchers, and extension agents in developing and disseminating technology. The study reviewed the push/pull’ technology of control...
Abstract: Diamondback moth (DBM) (Plutella xylostella L.), a pest of cruciferous vegetables worldwide, is resistant to major groups of insecticides, and attention has shifted to biological control using parasitoids. However, DBM and its parasitoid species have individual climatic requirements which, when not met adequately due to climate change, will potentially disrupt biological control of the pest. The response of this pest and its parasitoids to climate change at a local scale is less do...
Abstract: The study was conducted in western Kenya, a prime banana growing area during the period of May 1996 to February 1999. The objectives were to control the banana weevil and parasitic nematodes with neem materials, thereby reducing yield losses and contributing to sustainable banana production. The repellent, antifeedant, ovipositional deterrent, and growth inhibitory effects of powdered neem seed (NSP), kernel (NKP), cake (NC) and neem oil (NO) on Cosmopolites sordidus and its popula...
Abstract: Citrus production is a major industry in Kenya. Apart from providing income and jobs, it contributes to food and nutritional security. For the last decade, citrus production has experienced a continuous decline, particularly in the Kenyan highlands. Consequently, production is unable to meet local demands, which has led to increased imports of citrus. Low production has been attributed to pest and diseases, of which the African citrus triozid (ACT) Trioza erytreae Del Guercio (Hem....
Abstract: Grain production by Kenyan farmers, an important resource for their food security, faces constant challenges from pre- and post-harvest conditions favorable to rapid growth of insect populations. Currently, Kenya must import grain to meet consumption needs; however, if losses due to insects in storage facilities could be reduced, significant reductions in grain imports could be achieved. A review of current grain resources available in Kenya indicated that its grain production has ...
Abstract: Infestation by insect pests and infection of disease causing pathogens are among the major biotic constraints hindering production, profitability and contribution of citrus to economic development. The African citrus triozid (ACT), Trioza erytreae (Del Guerico) (Hemiptera: Triozidae) and the Asian citrus psyllid (ACP) Diaphorina citri (Kuwayama) (Hemiptera: Liviidae), known vectors of Candidatus Liberibacter spp. pathogens, causal agents of the incurable and deadly citrus greening ...