Developing Ecofriendly Approach for Management of Pests and Diseases of French Beans in Murang’a and Kirinyaga Counties, Central Kenya
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Date
2020
Authors
Matere, Nancy Jilande
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Kenyatta University
Abstract
French bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) production areas are in close proximity to
Nairobi and around Mount Kenya. These include Kirinyaga, Machakos, Nyeri,
Naivasha and Thika. Production of the crop is majorly hampered by pests. To manage
these, farmers are known to mainly depend on synthetic pesticides as a sole control
measure which at times results to produce exceeding maximum residue limit set by
the importing markets. Pesticides leave residues in and on the produce, contaminate
soil and waterways, harm non-target organisms and cause general environmental
pollution. Economically, the farmers who use pesticides in the production of french
beans for export are in danger of losing their market share due to the failure to
manage the MRLs. To help safeguard the livelihood of the small scale farmers, this
study was carried out to provide the best environmentally responsive approach in
managing the French beans pests. The study was carried out at Mwea in Kirinyaga
county and Thika in Kiambu county. The treatments included use of selected
synthetic pesticides, biological control, and integrated pest management (IPM)
comprising of Agronets, biocontrol and monitored pesticide use based on randomized
complete block design with four replications. Results show no significant difference
across the various management practices in the number of most pests such as Aphids
(P=0.125), Thrips (P=0.424) and Bean fly (P=0.725). A significant difference was
noted in infestation by whitefly (P=0.002) and Leaf hoppers (P=0.015) among the
different treatments, Agronet treated plots recorded the lowest infestation levels
(means 14.9a and 1.00a) followed by Biocontrol plots (mean 66.8b) while the control
plots recorded highest levels of (mean 91.4b and 10.4b). The yield of the beans from
the Agronet plots gave a higher mean yield quantity of (7215g) as compared to the
other treatment options Pesticides (5992g) and Biocontrol (5716g). The Agronets
plots as well showed lower mean numbers of the bobby beans (989g) as compared to
the fine (4708g) and extra fine (1518g) beans.IPM provided effective management of
the various pests as it included both the use of biocontrol products and pesticides
under Agronet technology. Farmers interviewed on aspects of challenges in adoption
of IPM as a pest management strategy showed that majority (58.1%) had not heard
about Integated Pest management with those who have heard (41.9%) requesting the
need for more information. Of the respondents who had information about IPM only a
small group (25%) practiced it while the rest (75%) have not practiced the same. A
significant positive correlation (0.545**) was recorded between those farmers who
have heard of IPM and those who practice the strategy. Therefore, optimization of the
IPM system would be essential for ensuring maximum control of pests’ hence
increased French bean production.The study recommends involvement of
Government through the various stakeholders to train farmers on IPM, encourage
farmers to use simple and less expensive cultural methods in pest management
including application of ash to the plant roots, physical removal of infested plant parts
among others.
Description
A Project Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of the
Requirement for the Award of the Degree of Master of
Environmental Studies (Community Development) in the
School of Environmental Studies of Kenyatta University.
Keywords
Ecofriendly Approach, Pests Management, French Beans, Murang’a County, Kirinyaga county, Kenya