The Kenya Standing Technical Committee on Imports and Exports (KSTCIE) has sanctioned the deployment of Acerophagus papayae, a parasitoid wasp, as a biological control mechanism against the papaya mealybug (Paracoccus marginatus) in papaya cultivation regions throughout Kenya. This decision aims to support smallholder farmers in mitigating the impact of the mealybug, which has been known to inflict crop losses ranging from 53-100%.
Initial releases of A. papayae have taken place in several counties including Machakos, Embu, Tharaka Nithi, Baringo, Mombasa, Kwale, and Kilifi, demonstrating the commitment to leverage Integrated Pest Management (IPM) strategies. Smallholder farmers are advised to incorporate this agent into their IPM plans, with a noted efficacy period of up to six months.
Research efforts by CABI, in collaboration with the Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organisation (KALRO), the Kenya Plant Health Inspectorate Service (KEPHIS), and the National Museums of Kenya (NMK), have validated the effectiveness of A. papayae within IPM frameworks. The papaya mealybug, originating from Central America and detected in Kenya in 2016, has prompted extensive studies to ascertain the economic losses, estimated at £2,224/ha annually, and the potential of A. papayae as a sustainable solution.
Findings, published in Crop Protection, revealed that A. papayae induced up to 75% mortality in mealybug populations within two years of its initial deployment in Mombasa, Kwale, and Kilifi counties, while also nearly doubling papaya yields on treated farms. This biological control agent has led to a reduction in chemical pesticide usage, aligning with the broader objectives of sustainable pest management.
Dr. Selpha Miller highlighted the role of smallholder farmers in facilitating the propagation and distribution of A. papayae by employing Natural Enemy Field Reservoirs (NEFRs), a technique developed to enhance the biological control agent's reach and impact. The initiative, supported by the PlantwisePlus program and the Darwin Initiative, underscores the importance of collaborative efforts in addressing agricultural challenges.
Dr. Johnson Nyasani of KALRO emphasized the significance of partnership in advancing sustainable agricultural practices and reducing dependency on chemical pesticides. The nationwide release of A. papayae is poised to offer a viable and environmentally friendly solution to the papaya mealybug crisis, reflecting a collective commitment to sustainable pest management and agricultural resilience.
Source: CABI News