Integrated Pest Management Practices Research Articles

Comparative analysis of knowledge and management practices of insect pests of maize among IPM adopters and non-adopters in Sindhupalchok, Nepal

Integrated pest management (IPM) is a decision-based approach that involves optimizing the pest population below the economic threshold by the coordinated use of multiple tactics in an economically and environmentally sound manner. The adoption of IPM in farming practices prevents long-term pest damage by combining biological control, modification of cultural practices, habitual manipulation, and use of resistant varieties. In Nepal, mostly in hilly regions, haphazard chemical pesticide application has inevitable effects on human health, the environment, and the ecosystem. The haphazard chemical pesticide application in Sindhupalchok, Nepal originated mostly due to a knowledge gap in the identification of the stages of the lifecycle of pests, and the distinction between beneficial and harmful insects.  To compare the effectiveness of management practices between IPM adopters and non-adopters this study was framed for six months in Sangachokgadi municipality, Sindhupalchok, Nepal.  The knowledge gap among the maize growers in Sindhupalchok was assessed using both primary and secondary data collection methods. For primary data collection a comprehensive and structured questionnaire, face-to-face interview, phone call interview, and Key Informant Interview was conducted. Similarly, secondary data was collected from various articles and publications from Maize Zone, the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development (MoALD), Nepal Agriculture Research Council (NARC), and National Maize Research Program (NMRP). The collected data were then analyzed (descriptive statistics, chi-square test, and indexing) by using computer software packages i.e., Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) version 26, and Microsoft Excel 2010. The analyzed data revealed maize growers adopting IPM practices for crop management are known to have significantly better knowledge of the life cycle of pests, were able to distinguish between beneficial and harmful insects, and had knowledge of appropriate fertilizer doses.  Further, the findings revealed IPM adopters had better knowledge of chemical pesticide handling which could minimize the chemical hazards among the farmers.

Evaluation of Integrated Pest Management Practices against the Incidence of White Fly and Bean Yellow Mosaic Virus (BYMV) in Rajmash (Phaseolus vulgaris L.)

Evaluation of Integrated Pest Management Practices against the Incidence of White Fly and Bean Yellow Mosaic Virus (BYMV) in Rajmash (Phaseolus vulgaris L.)

Integrated Pest Management Strategies for Fruitfly (Bactrocera cucurbitae) in Bittergourd (Bactrocera cucurbitae)

The present study was conducted to evaluate the effects of Integrated Pest Management practices against bitter gourd fruit fly in Tiruvallur District, Tamil Nadu, India. The demonstration was conducted at farmer’s fields in two village viz., Kilambakkam and Periya kilambakkam of the district Tiruvallur during Kharif season 2018 and 2019. The front line demonstration was consisted of IPM (Field sanitation, fruit fly baits, Installation of fruit fly traps and spraying of neem oil 3%) and Non –IPM practices (Spraying of chemical insecticides). When compared to non-IPM fields, IPM techniques with fruit fly traps (with cue lure) attracted a large number of fruit flies, resulting in a 64 percent reduction in fruitfly infestation and a 3-4 times higher yield. The use of pheromone traps instead of insecticides to control fruit flies results in significant cost savings and pesticide-free bitter gourd output.Results indicated average fruit yield of 12.80 t/ha, an increase of 55.29% increase in yield over farmers practice as well as a net income of Rs.1,62,700/-. Reduction in cost of cultivation due to less investment for plant protection aspects has been recorded

Trichoderma afroharzianum TRI07 metabolites inhibit Alternaria alternata growth and induce tomato defense-related enzymes

Identifying a viable substitute for the limited array of current antifungal agents stands as a crucial objective in modern agriculture. Consequently, extensive worldwide research has been undertaken to unveil eco-friendly and effective agents capable of controlling pathogens resistant to the presently employed fungicides. This study explores the efficacy of Trichoderma isolates in combating tomato leaf spot disease, primarily caused by Alternaria alternata. The identified pathogen, A. alternata Alt3, was isolated and confirmed through the ITS region (OQ888806). Six Trichoderma isolates were assessed for their ability to inhibit Alt3 hyphal growth using dual culture, ethyl acetate extract, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) techniques. The most promising biocontrol isolate was identified as T. afroharzianum isolate TRI07 based on three markers: ITS region (OQ820171), translation elongation factor alpha 1 gene (OR125580), and RNA polymerase II subunit gene (OR125581). The ethyl acetate extract of TRI07 isolate was subjected to GC–MS analysis, revealing spathulenol, triacetin, and aspartame as the main compounds, with percentages of 28.90, 14.03, and 12.97%, respectively. Analysis of TRI07-VOCs by solid-phase microextraction technique indicated that the most abundant compounds included ethanol, hydroperoxide, 1-methylhexyl, and 1-octen-3-one. When TRI07 interacted with Alt3, 34 compounds were identified, with major components including 1-octen-3-one, ethanol, and hexanedioic acid, bis(2-ethylhexyl) ester. In greenhouse experiment, the treatment of TRI07 48 h before inoculation with A. alternata (A3 treatment) resulted in a reduction in disease severity (16.66%) and incidence (44.44%). Furthermore, A3 treatment led to improved tomato growth performance parameters and increased chlorophyll content. After 21 days post-inoculation, A3 treatment was associated with increased production of antioxidant enzymes (CAT, POD, SOD, and PPO), while infected tomato plants exhibited elevated levels of oxidative stress markers MDA and H2O2. HPLC analysis of tomato leaf extracts from A3 treatment revealed higher levels of phenolic acids such as gallic, chlorogenic, caffeic, syringic, and coumaric acids, as well as flavonoid compounds including catechin, rutin, and vanillin. The novelty lies in bridging the gap between strain-specific attributes and practical application, enhancing the understanding of TRI07’s potential for integrated pest management. This study concludes that TRI07 isolate presents potential natural compounds with biological activity, effectively controlling tomato leaf spot disease and promoting tomato plant growth. The findings have practical implications for agriculture, suggesting a sustainable biocontrol strategy that can enhance crop resilience and contribute to integrated pest management practices.

Impact of Integrated Pest Management Practices on fall armyworm (Spodoptera frugiperda) in maize through Extension approaches

Impact of Integrated Pest Management Practices on fall armyworm (Spodoptera frugiperda) in maize through Extension approaches

Species and population distribution of plant aphids in agrobiocenose of southeast regions of Uzbekistan

In the years 2022 and 2023, comprehensive investigations and experiments were conducted in the Sardoba district of the Syrdarya region. These efforts aimed to address the threat posed by plant aphids to cotton, vegetable, and rice crops. In 2022, scientific interventions were carried out across a total area of 130 hectares, followed by an expansion to 180 hectares in 2023. The scientific endeavors were centered on identifying and systematically analyzing the types of pests prevalent in the vegetable agrobiocenosis of the Syrdarya region. The research findings revealed the widespread presence of various pests, including moths, white butterflies, spider mites, and plant aphids. Among these, special attention was directed towards studying members of the Aphididae family within the Homoptera order. Moreover, the investigation extended to identifying their natural predators, known as entomophagous species. Specifically, entomophagous species such as Coccinella septempunctata, Chrysopa carnea, and Lysiphlebus fabarum were identified as playing significant roles in regulating the population of plant aphids and maintaining ecological balance. These genera act as natural enemies of aphids, helping to control their numbers and prevent widespread infestations that could damage agricultural crops. This holistic approach not only mitigates the negative impacts of pest outbreaks but also fosters biodiversity and ecosystem resilience. The findings of these investigations provide valuable insights into the ecological dynamics of agricultural ecosystems in the Syrdarya region, Uzbekistan and contribute to the development of integrated pest management practices.

Gendered barriers and opportunities for scaling integrated pest management practices along the mango value chain in Kenya

Abstract Mango (Mangifera indica L.) is an important source of food and income in Kenya, but production is hampered by the proliferation of invasive fruit flies (Bactrocera dorsalis). The International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology (icipe) and its partners have over the past 2 decades developed and disseminated an integrated pest management (IPM) package of interventions that effectively reduce fruit fly populations, but adoption is relatively low. In response to this low adoption, the authors conducted desk- and field-based qualitative and quantitative studies to better understand the gendered barriers and opportunities for scaling IPM practices along the mango value chain in Kenya. Twenty-four gender-disaggregated focus groups, 118 farmer surveys, and 63 key informant interviews with value chain actors were conducted. The results show that lack of access to IPM inputs, market constraints, and access to training are among the key barriers to and motivations for adopting IPM strategies in Embu County, Kenya.

Bat diversity boosts ecosystem services: Evidence from pine processionary moth predation

Coniferous forests contribute to the European economy; however, they have experienced a decline since the late 1990s due to an invasive pest known as the pine processionary moth, Thaumetopoea pityocampa. The impacts of this pest are increasingly exacerbated by climate change. Traditional control strategies involving pesticides have had negative effects on public health and the environment. Instead, forest managers seek a more ecological and sustainable approach to management that promotes the natural actions of pest control agents. This study aims to evaluate the role of bats in suppressing pine processionary moths in pine forests and examine how the bat community composition and abundance influence pest consumption. Bats were sampled in the mountainous environment of the Serra da Estrela in central Portugal to collect faecal samples for DNA meta-barcoding analysis. We assessed the relationship between a) bat richness, b) bat relative abundance, c) bat diet richness, and the frequency of pine processionary moth consumption. Our findings indicate that sites with the highest bat species richness and abundance exhibit the highest levels of pine processionary moth consumption. The intensity of pine processionary moth consumption is independent of insect diversity within the site. The highest occurrence of pine processionary moth presence in bat diets is primarily observed in species that forage in cluttered habitats. A typical predator of pine processionary moths among bats is likely to be a forest-dwelling species that specialises in consuming Lepidoptera. These species primarily use short-range echolocation calls, which are relatively inaudible to tympanate moths, suitable for locating prey in cluttered environments, employing a gleaning hunting strategy. Examples include species from the genera Plecotus, Myotis, and Rhinolophus. This study enhances our understanding of the potential pest consumption services provided by bats in pine forests. The insights gained from this research can inform integrated pest management practices in forestry.

The effects of pesticides on tomato pollinators depend on application practices and floral visitor assemblage

AbstractPesticide use affects biodiversity and ecosystem service provision. Yet, such effects may vary between pesticides, dosage, application timing and pollinator assemblage in the study area. Understanding such diversity of effects is essential to enable integrated pest management practices that minimize negative impacts on pollinators. Here, we use a controlled experiment to compare different strategies of pesticide application in tomato crops: no application, low‐intensity applications (every 7 days) and high‐intensity application (every 3–4 days) with the last being the usual practice used by farmers in the study region. We focus on imidacloprid that is a neonicotinoid insecticide commonly used in Brazil. We show the negative effects of imidacloprid on the pollinator visitation rate of tomato flowers varied between flower visitor species. While the bee Paratrigona lineata was negatively affected by the imidacloprid application, no effects were detected when analysing all other bees as a group, indicating a null net effect. Although some studies have shown this insecticide is extremely harmful to bees' health, others showed that some bees do not avoid it, which may explain our results. However, the visitation rate recovery for P. lineata was only detected in the less than the more intensive treatment after imidacloprid applications ceased. The fact that no differences in fruit production were detected between treatments (including control blocks) could result from a null net effect of the negative effects on pollinators and positive effects on pest control. Further studies would be needed to disentangle the two effects.

Use of Insect Exclusion Row Cover and Reflective Silver Plastic Mulching to Manage Whitefly in Zucchini Production.

The challenges that sweet potato whitefly (Bemisia tabaci) creates for vegetable production have increased in the southeastern U.S. Growers must use intensive insecticide spray programs to suppress extremely high populations during the fall growing season. Thus, the objective of this study was to evaluate the use of a reflective plastic mulch and an insect row cover as alternative methods to the current grower practices to manage whiteflies in zucchini (Cucurbita pepo) production. Field experiments were conducted with a two-level factorial experimental design of cover and plastic mulch treatments arranged in a randomized complete block design, with four replications in Georgia in 2020 and 2021, and in Alabama in 2021. Cover treatments consisted of an insect row cover installed on zucchini beds at transplanting and removed at flowering and a no-cover treatment, while plastic mulch treatments consisted of reflective silver plastic mulching and white plastic mulching. During all growing seasons, weather conditions were monitored, whitefly populations were sampled weekly, zucchini biomass accumulation was measured at five stages of crop development, and fruit yield was determined at harvesting. Warm and dry weather conditions early in the growing season resulted in increased whitefly populations, regardless of location and year. In general, the reflective silver plastic mulching reduced whitefly populations compared to the conventional white plastic by 87% in Georgia in 2020, 33% in Georgia in 2021, and 30% in Alabama in 2021. The insect row cover treatment reduced whitefly populations to zero until its removal. Consequently, zucchini plants grown with the insect row cover and reflective silver plastic mulching had an increased rate of biomass accumulation due to the lower insect pressure in all locations. Zucchini grown using silver reflective plastic mulch and row covers had an overall increase of 17% and 14% in total yield compared to white plastic mulch and no-cover treatments, respectively. Significant differences in yield among locations were likely due to severe whitefly pressure early in the fall season, and total yields in Georgia in 2020 (11,451 kg ha-1) were 25% lower than in Georgia in 2021 (15,177 kg ha-1) and in Alabama in 2021 (15,248 kg ha-1). In conclusion, silver plastic mulching and row covers reduced the whitefly population and increased biomass accumulation and total yield. These treatments can be considered ready-to-use integrated pest management practices for growers.

Impact of Integrated Management Practices of Fruit Fly in Bitter gourd

Bitter gourd is cultivated in 125 hectares out of 310 ha occupied by gourds in. Tiruvallur district in Tamil Nadu, India. Fruit fly is the most destructive insect pests attacking bittergourd.The present study was conducted to demonstrate the Integrated Pest Management practices in bitter gourd against major insect pests in 10 farmers’ fields located in four blocks viz., Tiruvalangadu, R.K.Pet, Thiruthani, Ekadu of Tiruvallur district during 2020-2021. Technological gap between recommended practices and actual farmers’ practice was assessed.The front-line demonstration included IPM practices (field sanitation, Installation of fruit fly traps and spraying of neem oil 3%) and Non –IPM practices. Results indicated average fruit yield of 92.50 q/ha, an increase of 10.77% increase in yield over farmers practice as well as a net income of Rs.1,06,450/-. Reduction in cost of cultivation due to less investment for plant protection aspects has been recorded.

The economic performance of mango integrated pest management practices at different scales of production.

Integrated pest management (IPM) strategies are being promoted to suppress tephritid fruit fly infestation and reduce economic damage in mango production. However, research on their economic performance across different mango production scales (measured by the number of mango trees) is limited. This study estimated the economic benefits of IPM practices (parasitoids, orchard sanitation, food bait, biopesticides, male annihilation technique, and their combinations) in Kenya's small-, medium-, and large-scale mango production systems. We used the value-cost ratio (VCR) and net present value methods to estimate the heterogeneous economic performance of IPM practices using data from two unique farm surveys. On average, all IPM practices were profitable across various production scales. However, we found that these practices were more profitable for medium-scale farmers than for small- and large-scale farmers. The results show that farmers need a minimum of 9-17 trees, depending on the practice used, to break even and that there are little to no economic benefits to using IPM practices for farmers with more than 320 mango trees. The male annihilation technique was the most profitable practice, with a VCR of 36, and consequentially, the most adopted practice across all scales of production. Overall, we found significant heterogeneity in the profitability of IPM practices across different scales of production. The reason for the lack of profitability of IPM on large-scale farms remains unclear and warrants further investigation.

Pest risk information, agricultural outcomes and food security: evidence from Ghana

This article investigates the short-term effects of an information intervention that provided early warning pest alerts and integrated pest management (IPM)-based advice to smallholder farmers. Specifically, this study focuses on fall armyworm (Spodoptera frugiperda) of maize in Ghana. We particularly examine the relationships between access to pest risk information and a number of outcomes, ranging from farmer’s knowledge to household food security. This study is based on survey data collected between December 2021 and January 2022 from 888 farm households operating 1305 maize fields. Results from doubly robust and switching regression models indicated that exposure to the pest risk information campaign was significantly (ρ < 0.05) associated with increases in the likelihood of optimal timing of fall armyworm control action and the adoption of multiple IPM practices, but it had no significant effect on pesticide use. Households who received the pest risk information obtained an average of 4% or 54 kg/ha (ρ < 0.01) gain in maize yield and were about 38% less likely (ρ < 0.01) than their non-recipient counterparts to report experiencing hunger, as measured by the household hunger scale. However, the pest risk information campaign was not associated with greater household dietary diversity. Further results indicated that households where the pest risk information was received by women, alone or together with their spouses, were more likely (ρ < 0.05) to achieve positive outcomes than if the recipient of information were male member of households. Overall, our findings imply that the dissemination of early warning pest alerts in combination with actionable IPM information to smallholder farmers can contribute to the adoption of sustainable crop protection technologies, and ultimately improve the standard of living of farm households.

Bibliometric Analysis of Integrated Pest Management Practices

Integrated pest management (IPM) is a wide-ranging strategy that involves tactics for the structural control of pests and diseases, also known as integrated pest control (IPC). The prime aim of this study is to explore global scientific publications regarding integrated pest management and map the recent global trends in this innovative research domain, thereby providing future research directions based on dynamic observations. Bibliometric assessment is used in the research to provide a more detailed evaluation of the existing state of IPM, which will ultimately lead policymakers to develop novel measures to promote the efficient utilisation of the IPM measure. The study explores the Web of Science (WoS) core collection database covering published articles from 1993 to 2022, and we evaluated 1217 articles. The study employed the Biblioshiny app (V4.1, K-Synth, Naples, Italy), specially designed for the Bibliometrix R package, and a robust Java-based application, namely CiteSpace (V6.2.R3, Chaomei Chen, Philadelphia, PA, USA), to convert, process, visualise and evaluate the selected dataset. Moreover, we utilised another Java-based app VOSViewer (Leiden University, Leiden, The Netherlands), to provide a comprehensive visualisation. Based on citation analysis, we presented a list of the top 10 articles based on global citation count, the top 10 institutes, the top 10 journals, and the top 10 countries. By carefully evaluating the co-occurrence network, this study structurally represents the 9 clusters and the 20 prime keywords, which will be assisted the future researcher in understanding the key terms used by the prior research and the density criteria. The strategic coordinate mapping is utilised to evaluate the keywords’ inner relationship and provide strong themes of recent research progression of IPM by evaluating the centrality and density quadrant tactics. This technique has not been rehashed previously within the IPM domain. We identify gaps related to the formulation, implementation, and assessment of the IPM mechanisms and propose avenues for future studies to fill those gaps.

Menace of Tomato Leaf Miner (Tuta absoluta [Meyrick,1917]): Its Impacts and Control Measures by Nepalese Farmers

A multi-site study was conducted in Kathmandu, Bhaktapur, Kavre, and Pokhara, Nepal, to assess the impact of Tuta absoluta and identify effective control measures from the farmers' perspective. A total of 480 tomato-growing households were randomly selected for the study. The pest posed a significant threat to tomato production, resulting in increased labor requirements (29.96%), increased expenditures on crop protection and control measures (62.18%), and significant yield losses of up to 85%. The results showed that the pest was ranked as the most important pest of tomatoes by the majority of respondents (88%), with the flowering stage being highly susceptible (99.73%). The study highlighted that the overuse of chemical pesticides disrupts integrated pest management practices, while all the respondents affected by T. absoluta used chemical and cultural control methods without using biological control methods due to a lack of knowledge. About 77.27% of the respondents used physical control methods. Among the control methods used, tomato leaf miner (TLM) bait (0.764) was rated as the most effective, followed by chemical pesticides (0.586) and sanitation (0.502). The research highlights the importance of raising awareness of integrated pest management strategies, including the use of biological control methods, for effective and sustainable management of T. absoluta. These findings will help improve pest management practices and support the long-term sustainability of tomato production in Nepal.

Farmers’ behaviour in the use of integrated pest management (IPM) practices: perspectives through the social practice theory

For many years, official agricultural policy efforts in Iran have focused on promoting the adoption of Integrated Pest Management (IPM) practices among farmers. Despite the major advantages of this system for human health and the environment, the adoption rate and implementation of IPM practices at the farm level has been slow. This study explores factors influencing farmers’ behaviour in the use of IPM practices, based on an expanded version of the Social Practice Theory (SPT). A sample of 325 tomato farmers in 30 villages of Golestan province in northeastern Iran participated in the study. The adoption of IPM practices among tomato farmers was less than average. The most common IPM practices adopted by the farmers were some simple and well-known practices such as collection and removal of contaminated parts of the plant and using resistant cultivars. Using factor analysis, four large groups of items were identified as key SPT constructs, i.e. materials (tools, technologies and infrastructure), competences (knowledge, skills, and abilities), meanings (values and commitments) and institutional support (support from government, local institution and market supply chain) for the use of IPM practices. Multiple linear analysis showed that the total effects of materials (β = 0.190), competences (β = 0.214), institutional supports (β = 0.324), education (β = 0.258) and tomato growing income (β=-0.102) on the use of IPM practices were significant. Thus, the SPT framework was found to be a useful tool for explaining farmers’ adoption of IPM practices. Further design of IPM development programs should be based on a holistic approach, which must supply materials, enhance competence and improve commitment of local and national institutions to provide requirements for use of IPM practices at farm level.

Sampling, a New iOS Application for Assessment of Damage by Diseases and Insect Pests Using Sequential Sampling Plans.

Regular scouting for plant diseases and insect pests by growers, crop consultants, extension educators, and researchers (herein defined as stakeholders) is the cornerstone of integrated pest management practices. Sequential sampling plans have the potential to save time and labor in field scouting and reduce the frequency of errors surrounding decision-making. The incorporation of the algorithms behind sequential sampling plans into mobile devices can make scouting for diseases and insect pests more straightforward, practical, and enjoyable. Here, we introduce an iOS application called Sampling. The application was designed for stakeholders to use on a mobile device for assessing disease and insect pest incidence in the field using sequential sampling plans. The application allows users to select a disease or insect pest from a prepopulated list and specify the objective of sampling: Estimation or classification. Conducting sequential sampling depends upon different precision levels and action thresholds within each objective. Detailed instructions for each sequential sampling plan are available as a guide. When sampling begins, users enter the number of diseased individuals at each sampling unit. The specific algorithm developed for the disease or insect pest will inform the user when to stop sampling for the desired goal and return the final incidence and precision or threshold achieved. Results are automatically saved in the application, and the user can inspect and share results by exporting them to a range of compatible programs. The initial version of Sampling (1.1) was released with the sequential sampling plans for Cercospora leaf spot of table beet. Sequential sampling plans for additional diseases or pests will be added to Sampling in subsequent versions. Sampling is available as a free download from the Apple Store (https://apple.co/3pUiYKy) and is compatible with iOS 14.0 or greater on the iPhone or iPad.

Integrated Pest Management Practices in Somalia to Reduce Pesticide Use in Banana Production

Integrated Pest Management Practices in Somalia to Reduce Pesticide Use in Banana Production

Analyzing the Factors Influencing the Adoption of Integrated Pest Management (IPM) Technology in Cotton in Rajasthan

Background: The model of sustainable agriculture mostly emphasizes on enhancing the efficacy of agrochemical usage by the implementation of Integrated Pest Management (IPM) technology, substitution of various inputs and practices with effective alternative technologies involving low energy utilization and plant/animal integration. Following the sustainable approach towards agriculture, a research has been conducted in the state of Rajasthan to identify the major factors that influence the adoption of IPM technology in Cotton. Cotton being the major crop of Sri Ganganagar and Hanumangarh districts for kharif season had an average area of 2.39 lakh hectares and average production of 7.44 lakh bales that constituted 51 per cent and 52 per cent of total area and production of Rajasthan, respectively during last five years ending 2016-17. Methods: On the basis of pest management strategy, farmers in the area were classified into three categories viz. farmers following conventional practice, farmers following IPM practice and farmers following both the practices, for the research. The purpose of the study was to identify the factors influencing adoption of IPM technology in the study area. A total of nine metric socio-economic variables of three groups of a total sample of 90 farmers from both the districts were taken for the study for the crop year 2017-18. The data were analyzed through suitable statistics: linear discriminant analysis and two-step cluster analysis. Result: It was found that ‘years of experience in current practice followed’, ‘number of workshops attended for current practice’, ‘years of education’, ‘years of experience in agriculture’ and ‘number of trainings attended for current practice’ are the major variables that discriminated among the three group of practices followed by the farmers of the study area. Among the selected significant discriminating factors, ‘higher education’, ‘higher number of workshops attended for current practice’ and ‘higher number of trainings attended for current practice’ were found to be the major influencing factors towards the adoption of IPM technology among the cotton growers in the study area. This study would facilitate the stakeholders involved in the dissemination of IPM technology as a measure for sustainable agriculture.

One size does not fit all: Heterogeneous economic impact of integrated pest management practices for mango fruit flies in Kenya—a machine learning approach

AbstractMost previous studies evaluating agricultural technology adoption focus on estimating homogeneous average treatment effects across technology adopters. Understanding the heterogeneous effects and drivers of impact heterogeneity should enable interventions to be better targeted to maximise benefits. We apply machine learning using data from a randomised controlled trial to estimate the heterogeneous treatment effect of fruit fly IPM practices (i.e., parasitoids, orchard sanitation, use of food bait, biopesticides, male annihilation technique, and their combinations) in Central Kenya. Results suggest significant heterogeneity in the effect of IPM practices conditioned on household characteristics. The most important covariates explaining differences in treatment effects are wealth, distance to the mango fruit market, age of the household head, labour and experience in mango farming. Results further indicate that those with fewer mango trees benefit more from most IPM practices. Additional analysis across other covariates shows mixed results but generally suggests significant differences between households benefiting the most and those benefiting the least from IPM practices.