Integrated Pest Management Package Research Articles

Economic, health, and environmental burden of Tuta absoluta (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae), in tomato production in Kenya and Uganda.

The negative effects of pest infestation on agricultural production cannot be underestimated. There have been several efforts to control these pests, chiefly through the use of synthetic pesticides. However, the continuous use of the chemicals causes pest resistance and resurgence and presents high human and environmental risks. This study examines the economic, health, and environmental impacts of Tuta absoluta (Meyrick 1917), an economically important pest in tomato production, among smallholder farmers in selected counties in Kenya and Uganda. Economic Impact Quotient and gross margin analysis were used on data obtained from a random sample of 316 and 345 tomato growers in Kenya and Uganda, respectively. The results show a significant impact of T. absoluta on tomato production in both countries. On average, the tomato growers earned a gross income of $38,123 and $11,627 in Kenya and Uganda, respectively, with synthetic chemicals for the management of T. absoluta contributing 66-78% of the cost of production. The opportunity cost lost due to forgoing pesticide for management of the pest, and instead replacing it with an integrated pest management package was valued between $8 and $646 in Kenya and $895 in Uganda, respectively, using net present value through the most pessimistic scenario, while benefit-cost ratio was $1 and $5 in Kenya and Uganda, respectively.

The Environmentally IPM Package for Controlling Fall Armyworm (Spodoptera frugiperda) in Maize Field

Integrated Pest Management (IPM) is a pest control method that combines several control techniques by considering ecological, economic, and sociological consequences. Management efforts with IPM principles can be conducted by cultivating healthy plants and entomopathogen application. This study examined the IPM package's success for controlling fall armyworm (Spodoptera frugiperda) in maize field. This research was conducted in a farmer's maize plantation in the West Pasaman District from August to December 2021. The study used a Randomized Block Design (RBD) which consisted of three treatments and five replications. The treatments were different cultivation techniques using IPM, Non-IPM, and control. The variables observed were the population of S. frugiperda (individual/plant), attack rate (%), attack intensity (%), cob weight (g/cob), and farming cost (IDR). The results showed that the IPM and Non-IPM maize cultivation techniques had no different effect on S. frugiperda, especially survival stage, attack rate, intensity, and yield. However, this effect was higher than the control. In addition, the economic benefits of cultivation with IPM were higher than non-IPM. Therefore, this IPM package can be recommended for controlling S. frugiperda because it is also economically profitable and environmentally friendly.

Interactions between integrated pest management, pollinator supplementation, and normalized difference vegetation index in pumpkin, Cucurbita maxima (Cucurbitales: Cucurbitaceae), production.

Sustainable production of pumpkin (Cucurbita maxima Duchesne) partly relies on integrated pest management (IPM) and pollination services. A farmer-managed field study was carried out in Yatta and Masinga Sub-Counties of Machakos County, Kenya, to determine the effectiveness of a recommended IPM package and its interaction with stingless bee colonies (Hypotrigona sp.) for pollinator supplementation (PS). The IPM package comprised Lynfield traps with cuelure laced with the organophosphate malathion, sprays of Metarhizium anisopliae (Mechnikoff) Sorokin isolate ICIPE 69, the most widely used fungal biopesticide in sub-Saharan Africa, and protein baits incorporating spinosad. Four treatments-IPM, PS, integrated pest and pollinator management (which combined IPM and PS), and control-were replicated 4 times. The experiment was conducted in 600 m2 farms in 2 normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) classes during 2 growing seasons (October 2019-March 2020 and March-July 2020). Fruits showing signs of infestation were incubated for emergence, fruit fly trap catches were counted weekly, and physiologically mature fruits were harvested. There was no effect of IPM, PS, and NDVI on yield across seasons. This study revealed no synergistic effect between IPM and PS in suppressing Tephritid fruit fly population densities and damage. Hypotrigona sp. is not an efficient pollinator of pumpkin. Therefore, we recommend testing other African stingless bees in pumpkin production systems for better pollination services and improved yields.

Flubendiamide induced genetic and cellular damages directly influence the life cycle of the oriental leaf worm, Spodoptera litura

Indiscriminate uses of insecticide greatly damage the environment as well as non-target organisms. Thus, multiple levels of bioassays can help better management of our environment. Flubendiamide is a phthalic acid diamide insecticide that ceases the function of insect muscle leading to paralysis and death. Here, we aimed to explore the effects of Flubendiamide on the life cycle of Spodoptera litura vis-a-vis the mode of action. Fourth instar larvae of the same age (120 ± 2 h) and size were fed with different concentrations (20–80 μg/mL) of Flubendiamide for 12–72 h. We performed a pharmacokinetics study, different biochemical assays, p450, Ecdysone receptor (EcR) and other genes expression analyses by Real-Time PCR and gross damages by Dye exclusion assay and histopathology. Our results demonstrate that the mean concentration of Flubendiamide after 48 h is 9.907 μg/mL and (i) altered the molting, metamorphosis, and reproduction at 80 μg/mL (24 h) (ii) increases all oxidative stress parameters (ROS/RNS, MDA, 8OHdG), decreases oxidative defense mechanisms (SOD, CAT, GST) at 80 μg/mL (48 h) and p450 in a time and concentration-dependent manner, (iii) activates CncC/Maf apoptotic pathways at 80 μg/mL concentration at 24 h while the expression declined from 48 h onwards, (iii) downregulates the EcR expression in a time and concentration-dependent manner, which might be responsible for disturbed molting, metamorphosis, and reproduction, and (iv) increase the expression of apoptotic genes (Caspase 1, −3, and − 5), in time and concentration-dependent manner causing gross morphological and histological damages. In conclusion, indiscriminate use of this insecticide can affect the ecosystem and have the capacity to cause multiple hazardous effects on experimental organisms. Thus, it warrants further investigations to improve and optimize the integrated pest management packages, including Flubendiamide for better management.

Validation and implementation of principles of the Integrated Pest Management concept - sustainability and current challenges in pest endemic pulse bowl of India

Insect pests and vascular diseases are the major constraints to pigeonpea production in Karnataka and primarily responsible for lower productivity. There is no substantial host plant resistance to key insect pests in currently adopted cultivars, however effective utilization of other components of pest management led to development of various integrated pest management (IPM) to minimize yield losses and protect the environment. In present studies, it is a total “system approach” to sustainable pest management involving seed treatment with microbials, synchronized sowing, modification in landscape and application of need-based pesticide spray. Spray schedule was combined with online pest monitoring system for the plant protection related advisories for the target region. The resultant IPM package implemented through farmer-managed operational scale plots and compared with non-IPM (normal farmer practices) across 7 taluks of Gulbarga district for 4 years (2010–2013 seasons). A total of 2197 farmer-managed demonstrations were conducted, giving a 5–104% yield advantage (district means) of IPM over farmers’ practice. Pest incidence data in IPM vis-à-vis non-IPM clearly indicates that pest can be managed by adopting IPM technology. Number of spray of pesticides could be reduced from 6 to 4. Pesticide residue analysis for 102 chemical pesticides for representative soil, water and grain samples drawn from IPM as well as non-IPM (farmers’ practice) fields, indicates their presence within the prescribed limits. Grain yields in IPM plots were generally 15–20% higher than in FP. Even with all the available inputs, the production is subject to residual production risk due to abiotic constraints (rainfall), diseases and insect pests, which often large farmers are able to bear. Here in present studies it has been clearly demonstrated that strategies are friendly and adoptable by the small and marginal farmers. Effective implementation of IPM practices by participating farmers demonstrated that remunerative and reliable yields could be obtained in this pest-prone environment and helps mitigate climate induced threat to agricultural development having relevance to other pigeonpea growing regions prone to similar pest pests.

Role of plant essential oil nanoemulsions on host colonization by the invasive ambrosia beetle Xylosandrus compactus

The development of effective control strategies targeting non-native ambrosia beetles (Coleoptera: Curculionidae: Scolytinae and Platypodinae) represents an emerging challenge. This is due both to their rapid spread into climatically suitable newly invaded regions rich in susceptible host plants and to the limited knowledge concerning sustainable management tools. In this context, the use of botanical insecticides, such as plant essential oils (EOs), is considered a promising option in Integrated Pest Management (IPM) strategies as an alternative to conventional insecticides for sustainable crop protection. Here, the impact of five EO nanoemulsions (Rosmarinus officinalis L. cultivar verbenone, Carlina acaulis L., Laurus nobilis L., Cupressus sempervirens L., and Betula alba L.) on the choice behavior, host colonization and progeny production by the invasive ambrosia beetle Xylosandrus compactus (Eichhoff) was evaluated under laboratory and semi-field conditions. The chemical composition of tested EOs was firstly evaluated by means of gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analyses. Then, EO nanoemulsions were prepared and characterized through dynamic light scattering (DLS). Tested EO nanoemulsions showed single or bimodal droplet size distributions in the nanometric range. Results highlighted a significant repellent activity of R. officinalis cv. verbenone and C. acaulis EO nanoemulsions (at 3% EO concentration). However, the trend for repellence of the R. officinalis EO against the beetle was not confirmed at decreasing EO concentrations (i.e., 1% and 0.5%). Nanoemulsions based on C. acaulis EO significantly affected the beetle choices regardless of the tested EO concentration. Indeed, in no choice bioassays, a significantly lower number of individuals started infesting stems treated with these nanoemulsions. On the other hand, no effect of the EO treatment was found on the number of offspring produced by survived beetle females. The repellence by R. officinalis and C. acaulis EOs was confirmed in semi-field conditions. Overall, our findings provide new insights toward the use of R. officinalis and C. acaulis EOs as repellents of X. compactus, suggesting their future incorporation in non-chemical strategies, such as ‘push-pull’, as part of sustainable IPM packages targeting this invasive pest.

Lethal and sublethal effects of synthetic and bioinsecticides toward the invasive ambrosia beetle Xylosandrus compactus.

Exotic ambrosia beetles are emerging widespread pests of several wild and managed trees and shrubs. Xylosandrus compactus (Eichhoff) is one of the most invasive species causing damage to a broad range of host plants. Little information is available on its control, including the impact of insecticides. Bioassays were conducted to evaluate the potential of four bioinsecticides and seven synthetic insecticides in controlling X. compactus. Beetle mortality and sublethal effects on tunneling, cultivation of the mutualist fungus and reproduction were assessed. Concentration-mortality curves were determined for all tested insecticides. Lambda-cyhalothrin was the most toxic insecticide, showing the lowest estimated 90% and 50% lethal concentrations (LC90 and LC50 ), followed by deltamethrin and thiamethoxam. Acetamiprid caused the highest levels of mortality and brood size reduction under extended laboratory conditions. Moreover, acetamiprid, thiamethoxam and lambda-cyhalothrin caused the greatest mortality and, together with deltamethrin, strongly affected progeny occurrence inside infested galleries and beetle brood size. Among the bioinsecticides, pyrethrins significantly affected beetle survival under laboratory conditions, but not brood size in extended laboratory bioassays. Some of the tested insecticides had significant lethal and sublethal effects only when beetles were exposed to fresher residues, highlighting differences in toxicity persistence. This study provides first baseline toxicity data for synthetic insecticides and bioinsecticides with different modes of action and origin toward X. compactus, and the first evidence that several insecticides can cause multiple sublethal effects on this pest. These findings can help in building suitable integrated pest management packages against this pest. © 2023 The Authors. Pest Management Science published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.

Does empowerment influence women’s willingness to pay for integrated pest management practices? A case study of mango growers in Zambia

Mango is an important fruit crop in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), including Zambia, due to its nutritional value and contribution to food security. However, the invasive and mango-infesting fruit fly is a significant constraint in mango production. Therefore, icipe and partners developed and disseminated the integrated pest management package to curb this menace. The current study uses household-level data from 325 smallholder mango-growing households from selected regions in Zambia to evaluate how empowerment affects women's willingness to pay (WTP) for an Integrated Pest Management (IPM) package for the suppression of mango-infesting fruit flies. We used a double-bounded contingent valuation model to determine the association between Project-Level Women’s Empowerment in Agriculture Index (pro-WEAI), other social-economics factors, and WTP. The results show that women’s empowerment status positively and significantly increased the likelihood of considering a higher bid for the IPM package. Other factors affecting women’s WTP for the IPM package were women's education level, access to extension services, non-farm occupation, and household income from mangoes, with a positive and significant influence on their WTP. However, distance to the input market, perception of the effectiveness of current fruit fly management methods, and level of mango loss due to fruit flies negatively influenced WTP for the IPM package. Empowering women, especially increasing their access to extension services, and providing livelihood alternatives would increase their uptake of pest management technologies. Efforts to lower women’s domestic workloads, boost their finances, and sensitize others in the community to promote women’s freedom of movement would be vital to empowering women hence increasing their uptake of new agricultural innovations.

Mango phenology and fruit fly population dynamics in the transition zone of Ghana.

Crop phenological studies are vital in the formulation of effective integrated pest management packages. A 2-year phenological study spanning 2017-2019 was conducted in eight mango orchards in the transition zone of Ghana, to determine the relationship between the aggregation of culprit fruit fly species and the phenology of the mango crop. A total of 160 shoots were tagged and observed weekly for the plant's developmental processes using the Biologische Bundesantalt, Bundessortenamt and Chemische Industrie mango phenological scale as a guide. Fruit fly monitoring was conducted with two para pheromone attractants (methyl eugenol and terpinyl acetate) in 32 improvised traps. Host fruits sampled at colour break and ripe stages were incubated to identify culprit species. Significant infestation levels were assessed with one way analysis of variance. Three culprit species (Bactrocera dorsalis, Ceratitis cosyra and Ceratitis ditissima) emerged from incubated fruits. Co-infestation between B. dorsalis and C. cosyra was observed mostly at colour break. A residual population of B. dorsalis was observed throughout the crop cycle but peaked at the colour break phenological stage in May and early June, and dropped in August (at post-harvest). The interaction among fruit fly species, season, fruit source and phenological stage of the fruit was significant (P = 0.016). C. cosyra appeared at the beginning of anthesis, increased during flowering to fruit set and peaked in April when fruits were nearing maturity and green. It is therefore important that management practices are implemented throughout the phenological cycle of the crop but intensified from anthesis to post-harvest to reduce pest populations and damage.

An Integrated Pest Management Program Outperforms Conventional Practices for Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) in Cambodia

For several years, pest management in tomato production in Cambodia has generally focused on the use of synthetic pesticides. We compared conventional pest management (farmers’ traditional practices) with an integrated pest management (IPM) program on 12 farms in the northwestern part of Cambodia. The IPM program combined cultural, biological, and chemical practices. We found that IPM practices reduced aphid damage by 46%, and diseases such as Fusarium wilt and damping-off were substantially reduced. Our results indicate that the IPM package increased tomato yield and income by an average of 23 and 34%, respectively, compared with conventional practices during both dry and rainy seasons.

Optimization and field demonstration of the Lygus pratensis (Hemiptera: Miridae) sex pheromone.

The plant bug Lygus pratensis Linnaeus is a widely distributed polyphagous herbivore that increasingly attains outbreak population levels on cotton in northwestern China. Although the sex pheromone of L. pratensis from the United Kingdom has been identified as hexyl butyrate, (E)-2-hexenyl butyrate and (E)-4-oxo-2-hexenal, at a ratio of 100:25:24, this volatile blend does not prove attractive to Chinese field populations. In this study, we identified and optimized the sex pheromone of L. pratensis strains from northwestern China. In coupled gas chromatography and electro-antennogram detection (GC-EAD) assays, three compounds within whole-body extracts of virgin L. pratensis females elicited antennal responses: hexyl butyrate, (E)-2-hexenyl butyrate and (E)-4-oxo-2-hexenal. In field trials, a 20:1:30 ratio blend was the most attractive to L. pratensis males. Traps baited with this synthetic pheromone blend present considerable advantages over traditional sweep-net sampling for L. pratensis population monitoring. It can readily be incorporated into monitoring schemes and integrated pest management packages.

Development and validation of an integrated pest management strategy against the invasive South American tomato leaf miner, Tuta absoluta in South India

Tomato is one of the most popular vegetables grown in South Asian countries, including India. Introduction of any invasive species to a new environment has always resulted in serious ecological and economical threats globally. One such widely effected invasive pest in tomato cultivation is Tuta absoluta, which was reported infesting tomato fields in India in 2014 for the first time. In order to reduce the over reliance on chemical pesticides, the effectiveness of an integrated pest management (IPM) package including microbial pesticides (Bacillus thuringiensis var kurstaki, Beauveria bassiana), neem products and a chemical pesticide, chlorantraniliprole had been evaluated. Multi-location trials were conducted for two seasons in 2018 and 2019. The findings revealed that the effect of the IPM package in reducing T. absoluta infestation was quite promising in all the experimental trials. The performance of the IPM package was on par with the Farmers' practice (calendar based application of chemical pesticides) in reducing T. absoluta infestation, without any compromise in the marketable yield. The excessive spraying of chemical pesticides in the Farmers’ practice led to an increase in the protection cost at all the experimental sites, which was nearly two times higher than that of the IPM package. Hence, the IPM package can be considered as effective and economical in managing invasive T. absoluta on tomato in South India.

Perspective: enhancing economic evaluations and impacts of integrated pest management Farmer Field Schools (IPM-FFS) in low-income countries.

Over the last few decades, the use of Farmer Field Schools (FFS) have been considered one of the best approaches to disseminate integrated pest management (IPM) practices that aim to reduce reliance on and misuse of chemical pest control methods in agriculture. However, the published empirical literature has been decidedly mixed in terms of the effectiveness of the IPM-FFS approach to improve economic outcomes in the short-term (e.g. reduce chemical use, improve profits), and the potential for scaling-up and IPM dissemination in the medium-term. This article briefly explores the empirical IPM-FFS literature and draws implications for future research directions that can potentially enhance IPM knowledge diffusion methods (including IPM-FFS) and increase the economic impact of IPM techniques in low-income countries. We find that promising research directions to improve understanding of IPM dissemination and IPM impacts will need to involve: (i) interdisciplinary long-run studies using rigorous evaluation methods; (ii) in-depth assessments of spillover effects; (iii) careful examination of IPM and IPM-FFS impact heterogeneity; (iv) evaluation of novel IPM packages with herbicide- and genetics-centered components; (v) piloting and impact assessments of alternative IPM knowledge diffusion structures; and (vi) piloting and impact analysis of IPM dissemination and learning programs with private sector involvement. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry.

Target and non-target impact of systemic insecticides on a polyphagous aphid pest and its parasitoid

Systemic insecticides are used to control agricultural pests globally and their non-target impact at non-lethal doses on beneficial arthropods has been recognized. We assessed the baseline toxicity of imidacloprid, thiamethoxam and sulfoxaflor-based insecticides on the polyphagous aphid pest, Aphis gossypii (Hemiptera: Aphididae), and their non-target effects on its main parasitoid, Aphidius colemani (Hymenoptera: Braconidae), evaluated by residual contact exposure to the median lethal (LC50), the low lethal (LC20) and the sublethal (LC1) concentrations of the three tested insecticides, earlier estimated for the target pest. The results showed that the LC50s for the aphid were 6.4 × 10−3, 5 × 10−3, 2.9 × 10−2 times lower compared to the label concentrations of imidacloprid, thiamethoxam and sulfoxaflor, respectively. LC50 of thiamethoxam caused the highest mortality rate on the parasitoid followed by sulfoxaflor, while imidacloprid had the lowest impact. No significant sublethal effects on reprodution were observed for A. colemani survived to the insecticide exposure. Our findings highlight the importance of case-specific evaluation to optimize pesticide applications in Integrated Pest Management packages taking into account the ecological services provided by biological control agents.

Farmer Reported Pest and Disease Impacts on Root, Tuber, and Banana Crops and Livelihoods in Rwanda and Burundi

Biotic constraints cause major crop losses and, hence, food insecurity in sub-Saharan Africa. This study documented the popularity, production constraints, pests and diseases, farmers’ perceptions on the severity of biotic constraints and the impact of related crop losses on household food security for the key root, tuber and banana (RTB) crops (cassava, potato, sweetpotato and banana). Farmer interviews were conducted in 2014 covering 811 households in Rwanda and Burundi. Farmers were asked to list their RTB crop production constraints, name insect pests and diseases of RTB crops, estimate crop loss due to pests and diseases, and mention if their household experienced any form of food insecurity due to pests and diseases. Cutworms and late blight in potato, banana weevils and banana Xanthomonas wilt in banana, cassava whitefly and cassava mosaic disease in cassava, sweetpotato weevils, and sweetpotato virus disease in sweetpotato were the most predominant pests and diseases reported. Crop losses due to pests and diseases for sweetpotato, banana, potato and cassava were estimated at 26%, 29%, 33%, and 36%, respectively, in Rwanda and 37%, 48%, 38%, and 37% in Burundi. Pests and diseases reduce the profitability of RTB crops, threaten food security, and constitute a disincentive for investment. Sustainable and affordable integrated pest management packages need to be developed.

Validation of a bio-based integrated pest management package for the control of major insect pests on Chinese mustard in Cambodia

Chinese mustard is an important leafy vegetable, which is grown in about 5% of total vegetable area in major vegetable producing provinces of Cambodia. Production of Chinese mustard is severely hampered by the insect pests especially lepidopteran caterpillars and the flea beetles. Chinese mustard producers predominantly rely on the application of chemical pesticides for management of these pests and produce blemish free produce. In order to reduce the extensive reliance on pesticides, efficacy of biopesticides (Bacillus thuringiensis and Metarhizium anisopliae formulations, and neem extract), either alone and in combination (as an IPM package) against diamondback moth, common armyworm, cabbage webworm and striped flea beetle on Chinese mustard was assessed in three different provinces of Cambodia during 2015–2018. The bio-pesticides reduced the incidence of diamondback moth, common armyworm, cabbage webworm and the damage by striped flea beetle to the levels equivalent to chemical pesticide (abamectin) during trials in 2015 and 2016. Although the yield was significantly higher in bio-pesticide treated plots than untreated plots in 2015, the yield did not differ among the treatments in 2016 trials. Multi-location trials during 2016–2018 confirmed that the performance of the bio-based IPM package was on par with farmers’ practice of calendar-based pesticide application in reducing the damages by target pests, leading to significant yield gains. Hence, the bio-based IPM package can be a better alternative to chemical pesticides in managing the key insect pests on Chinese mustard in Cambodia.

Willingness to pay for an Integrated Pest Management Strategy for Suppression of Citrus Infesting False Codling Moth, African Citrus Trioza and Greening Disease Among Citrus Producers in Kenya

Citrus production in Kenya has been declining due to myriad of challenges, top among them, being pest and disease infestations, with most severe ones noted to be the African citrus triozid (ACT) and false codling moth (FCM) pests and Huanglongbing (HLB) disease. In order to strengthen citrus industry in the sub-Saharan Africa, including in Kenya, the International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology ( icipe ) and its partners are proposing an alternative strategy for addressing these pests and diseases, other than the often-used application of synthetic chemicals. The integrated pest management (IPM) approach aims at reducing citrus losses attributed to FCM, ACT and greening disease while conserving the environment. This study was carried out ex ante introduction of the IPM strategy to access farmers’ knowledge, perception, and practices of the pests and disease, and their willingness to pay for the IPM strategy. A household level survey involving 324 randomly selected citrus producers in Machakos and Makueni Counties of Kenya was conducted using semi-structured questionnaires. The findings show that farmers used indigenous traditional practices, as well as synthetic pesticides to manage the three abiotic constraints, mainly using their own acquired knowledge on pest and disease control and a few consulting their neighbors. On average, the respondents were willingness to pay KES 7,766 for FCM and KES 10,639 for IPM package for ACT and greening disease per acre per season. Area of land under crop, knowledge, and practices of managing citrus pests and diseases and access to extension services had a significant effect on the willingness to pay for integrated pest management approach. Policy effort should focus on strengthening extension services to promote awareness and use of the IPM strategy Keywords: integrated pest management, citrus, willingness to pay, Kenya, Africa DOI : 10.7176/JESD/10-2-06

Are we ready for the invasion of Tuta absoluta? Unanswered key questions for elaborating an Integrated Pest Management package in Xinjiang, China

Are we ready for the invasion of Tuta absoluta? Unanswered key questions for elaborating an Integrated Pest Management package in Xinjiang, China

Development of an Integrated Pest Management Packages Based on Effective Insecticides and Bio-pesticides for Controlling Tomato Fruit Borer

Development of an Integrated Pest Management Packages Based on Effective Insecticides and Bio-pesticides for Controlling Tomato Fruit Borer

Integrated Management of Fusarium Wilt-Root Knot Nematode Complex on Tomato in Central Highlands of Kenya

Tomato plays a critical role in meeting nutritional food requirements, generating income and creating employment for both the rural and urban populations in Kenya. However, its production is threatened by the Fusarium wilt caused by Fusarium oxysporum f.sp. lycopersici, root knot nematodes (Meloidogyne spp), Fusarium wilt-root-knot nematode complex and Tomato leaf miner (Tuta absoluta) among others. Yield losses of 80-100% in some instances, have been reported due to the Fusarium wilt - root knot nematode complex. Field experiments were set up in two sites (Kagio and Mwea) in Kirinyaga County in Central highlands of Kenya to evaluate the effectiveness of various Integrated Pest Management (IPM) packages for the management of fusarium wilt-root knot nematode disease complex in tomatoes. The trials were established in two seasons, the long rains (March – July 2016) and the short rains (September 2016- January 2017). The IPM packages tested were NatuGro system (a combination of soil improvers, plant biostimulants and Trichoderma harzianum T22), a fungicide (carbendazim), Nemix (Bacillus sp. based biocontrol agent) and bionematicide (Paecilomyces lilacinus T251) applied either singly or in combination. Root knot nematode (RKN) gall index, as a measure of nematode disease severity was assessed twice during the experimental period; at flowering and mid fruit stage, while severity of fusarium wilt was assessed using the vascular wilt rating scale of 0-5. Fusarium wilt incidence was evaluated biweekly from 2 weeks after transplanting by visual assessment of wilt symptoms and expressing them as a percentage of total number of plants per plot. Both total and marketable tomato yields were determined at the end of the experimental period (4 months after transplanting). Integrating NatuGro system, Carbendazim and P. lilacinus was most effective in reducing RKN disease severity and damage and improving tomato growth followed by NatuGro system applied singly. Fusarium wilt severity and incidence were low throughout the experimental period and in all the treatments in both experimental sites.