Reserach project: Towards understanding the role of push-pull cropping system in management of mycotoxins in maize in East Africa.

Nancy is an ARPPIS PhD fellow supervised by Prof. Zeyaur R. Khan and Dr Charles A. Midega of icipe, Kenya. Her research interests include plant health and food safety and security. She is currently doing research on the role of push-pull cropping system in management of mycotoxins in maize in East Africa.  Maize is one of the staple foods in Sub-Saharan Africa. However, insect pests and diseases are a major constraint to its production. Infection of maize by various fungal pathogens results in contamination of maize grains with mycotoxins. It is estimated that about 40% of grain losses in Sub Saharan Africa are due to mycotoxins. Cropping systems that help manage insect pests and improve soil health may potentially contribute to the management of ear rots, a fungal disease that contaminates maize with mycotoxins, and subsequently mycotoxin contamination of maize. This study assesses the role of push-pull cropping system in management of mycotoxins in maize in East Africa. The push-pull technology is a strategy for controlling agricultural pests by using repellent "push” plants and trap” pull" plants. The technology involves of behavior modifying stimuli to manipulate the distribution and abundance of a pest.  Nancy completed her MSc in Microbiology at the University of Nairobi, Kenya.