Strengthening Citrus production systems through the introduction of IPM measures for pests and diseases in Kenya and Tanzania (SCIPM)
SCIPM seeks to address the most important and pressing insect pests and disease problem on citrus in Africa – mainly the citrus psyllid, false codling moth and the Huanglongbing (HLB) disease. icipe’s strategic research thrust includes understanding the abundance, distribution, dynamics, host plants and other ecological attributes of the target insect pests and disease as well as determining the host-pathogen-vector interactions of HLB to guide implementation of management methods. The role of natural enemies as major mortality factors will be established. Molecular tools will also be employed to provide information on genetic makeup and population variation among the pests and the pathogen. The project will test and subsequently implement proven IPM technologies like bio-pesticides, bio-rationals, attractant/repellent, and attract-and-kill options.
Components being undertaken within Research Support Units
Behavioural and Chemical Ecology
Social Science and Impact Assessment
- Measuring the micro-level ex-ante and ex-post impact of IPM measures for pests and disease control among citrus producers
- Survey on knowledge, attitude and practices of selected citrus infesting pests and diseases and the willingness to pay for IPM strategies
Donor:
- German Ministry of Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ)
Partners:
- Center for Development Research (ZEF), University of Bonn, Germany
- Texas A&M University, USA; Citrus Research International, South Africa
- Kenya Plant Health Inspectorate Service (KEPHIS)
- Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organisation (KALRO)
- University of Nairobi, Kenya
- Ministry of Agriculture, Food Security & Cooperative (MAFSC), Tanzania
- Mikocheni Agricultural Research Institute, Tanzania
- Real IPM Ltd, Kenya