Pest Population and Yield Dynamics of Selected African Indigenous Vegetables and Pulses under Different Climate-Smart Agricultural Practices in Murang’a County, Kenya
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Date
2024-07
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Kenyatta University
Abstract
Climate change and agricultural pests constitute key constraints to agricultural production in Kenya. These constraints lower the yield potential of locally grown food crops. African indigenous vegetables (AIVs) and pulses form key economically important food crops and dietary choices in Murang’a County in Kenya. Their economic potential notwithstanding, the production of AIVs and pulses is under threat due to the effects of climate change. This study determined the effects of climate-smart agricultural practices on the overall yields and pest status in AIVs and pulses in Ithanga location, Murang’a south sub county. Baseline demographics and crop cultivation data were collected using a semi-structured questionnaire from a sample of 226 respondents. Respondents were interviewed in their farms using open-ended questions to evaluate practices about the presence, diversity, challenges and farmer practices of AIVs and pulses cultivation. The studies were conducted during the short and the long rainfall seasons of 2021 and 2022. The on-farm experiments aimed to determine the effects of selected Integrated Pest management strategies (IPM) on the abundance and diversity of Arthropod pests attacking AIVs and pulses. Field experiments were set up to study the effects of selected climate-smart agricultural practices on pest’s dynamics and yields of AIVs and pulses. Five climate smart agriculture treatments were arranged in a randomized complete block design and replicated three times. Four IPM treatments were used in three replications to determine the effects of selected IPM strategies on pest’s diversity and abundance in AIVs and pulses. The study crops included; Solanum nigrum L (black nightshade), Vigna unguiculata L (cowpeas), Vigna radiate L (green grams) and Cajanus cajun L (pigeon peas). Study plots measuring 3 meters by 3 meters were set out and sowed with certified seeds from KALRO-Katumani. Sets of data were collected on pest’s damage, pest’s diversity and yield parameters. Analysis of variance tests (ANOVA) were conducted on the collected data using Genstat software version 22.0. Post hoc analysis was done to calculate significant means using Tukeys Honest significant Difference (HSD) at P< 0.05. Data obtained from the baseline survey were analyzed using IBM SPSS-28 Software. Results from the baselines survey showed that AIVs and pulses were present in the study area, and the respondents were aware that pests were attacking their crops. The logistic regression analysis showed socio-demographic variables such as the level of education, marital status and age had significant positive effect on respondent’s knowledge levels on CSAPs and pests control strategies (P≤0.05). The pest’s species diversity was determined using the Shannon Weiner Index of diversity. The results showed that, Whiteflies (Bemisia tabaci) were the most abundant pests followed by pea aphids (Aphis fabae), flower trips (Frankliniella occidentalis) and red spider mites (Tetranychus urticae) in decreasing order. The results showed plots installed with yellow and blue stick rolls had the lowest pest’s abundance and diversity while control plots recorded the most abundant and diverse pest’s species. Plots installed with sticky rolls had higher yields while the control experiment plots had the least amount of yields in both AIVs and pulses crops (P≤0.05). The results revealed that yield parameters such as plant height, number of pods and the primary yield were higher in plots installed with dry grass mulches followed by those applied with organic manure; control plots recorded the least yield parameters across the study crops (P≤0.05). The AIVs and pulses yield levels were significantly influenced by the climate smart agricultural products (CSAPs) used.
Description
A Research Thesis Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Master of Science (Crop Protection- Entomology Option), in the School of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences of Kenyatta University, July 2024.
Supervisors
1. Namikoye, Everlyne Samita
2. Karanja, Rebecca Hugiru