In Kenya, particularly in Machakos County, farmers grapple with the menace of papaya mealybugs (Paracoccus marginatus), a pest that jeopardizes papaya cultivation. Originating from Central America, this invasive species was first identified in Kenya in 2016 and has since posed a significant threat to the country's horticulture. Traditional control methods, including the use of hazardous pesticides, have proven ineffective and detrimental to both biodiversity and human health.
Nonetheless, a glimmer of hope emerges through biological control methods, spearheaded by CABI PlantwisePlus and its partners. A particular focus is on employing a tiny parasitic wasp to naturally mitigate the papaya mealybug's impact. This approach not only offers a sustainable solution but also alleviates the adverse consequences associated with chemical pesticides.
The dire situation has led some, like Omar Mwandaro from Kwale County, to consider abandoning papaya cultivation after witnessing the devastation on his farm. The failure of pesticides to curb the mealybug infestation has prompted agricultural experts to advise against their use, as echoed by Melissa Awino, a farmer in Kilifi Country, who highlights the health hazards linked to chemical treatments.
This initiative, as showcased in a new PlantwisePlus video, illustrates the potential of classical biological control in restoring the livelihoods of Kenyan papaya farmers, ensuring a safer and more productive agricultural practice.
Source: blog.plantwise.org