Article
Agriculture, Multidisciplinary
Beatrice W. Muriithi, Nancy Gathogo, Ivan Rwomushana, Gracious Diiro, Samira Mohamed Faris, Fathiya Khamis, Chrysantus Tanga, Sunday Ekesi
Summary: The study found that 47% of respondents are willing to pay for the IPM strategy in mango producing districts in the Goma Gofa zone, Ethiopia, indicating existing demand for fruit fly IPM. Farmers' willingness to pay for the strategy is influenced by farm and socio-economic characteristics, and enhancing extension agents' skills could facilitate IPM dissemination and adoption among mango growers in the region.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF AGRICULTURAL SUSTAINABILITY
(2021)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Samuel Jeff Otieno, Cecilia Nyawira Ritho, Jonathan Makau Nzuma, Beatrice Wambui Muriithi
Summary: This study evaluates the drivers of the adoption and dis-adoption of Integrated Pest Management (IPM) practices in the suppression of mango fruit-fly infestation in Embu County, Kenya. It employs a Correlated Random Effects Probit Model and a Discrete-time Proportional Hazard Model on two-wave panel data of 149 mango farmers selected using a cluster sampling technique. The descriptive results show that 59% and 17% of the respondents were adopters and dis-adopters of mango fruit fly IPM practices, respectively. Empirical findings reveal that the cost of IPM and training on IPM positively and significantly influenced adoption, while the unavailability of the technology had a negative and significant effect on adoption. For dis-adoption, the results indicate that farm size and the quality of IPM positively influenced the hazard of exit from IPM use, and hence, enhanced the sustained adoption of IPM. The study recommends capacity building for mango farmers through training and increased access to extension services to enhance the adoption of this technology and prevent dis-adoption.
Review
Entomology
Yuxin He, Yijuan Xu, Xiao Chen
Summary: This review provides a comprehensive summary of 10 important species of tephritid fruit flies in China, focusing on their biology, ecology, and integrated control methods. The aim is to provide researchers, quarantine officials, and hobbyists with a better understanding and more innovative approaches to limit the economic losses caused by these flies.
Article
Agronomy
Fridah Chepchirchir, Beatrice W. Muriithi, Jackson Langat, Samira A. Mohamed, Shepard Ndlela, Fathiya M. Khamis
Summary: The study reveals that Tuta absoluta is a major pest affecting tomato production, and most farmers use synthetic pesticides for its management. There is a significant proportion of farmers willing to adopt the IPM strategy, and the probability of adoption is positively related to factors like gender, proximity to input sources, training access, and knowledge, attitude, and practices towards non-pesticide strategies.
Article
Agronomy
Xavier Cheseto, Hillary Kirwa, Samira Abuelgasim Mohamed, Sunday Ekesi, John J. Beck, Baldwyn Torto
Summary: The study found that glutathione (GSH) and glutamic acid (GA) can effectively reduce the offspring population of African fruit flies (Ceratitis cosyra and Ceratitis rosa) in Kenyan mango orchards, but have little impact on Bactrocera dorsalis. This research provides a potential method for managing African fruit fly species using host marking pheromones (HMPs).
PEST MANAGEMENT SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Biology
Haider Karar, Muhammad Amjad Bashir, Reem Atalla Alajmi, Dina M. Metwally, Muneeba Haider, Najeeba Haider, Samad Raza, Ali Bakhsh, Rania Haddadi
Summary: The study in southern Punjab, Pakistan found that mango farmers were aware of and practiced management techniques for mango mealy bug, primarily using insecticides like Basudin and Supracide while also employing grease bands for control. Farmers commonly believed that irrigation water was a major source of infestation, but faced challenges such as lack of knowledge, limited funds, and inadequate pesticides supply.
SAUDI JOURNAL OF BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES
(2021)
Article
Ecology
Fawad Z. A. Khan, Syed Amir Manzoor, Hafiza Tahira Gul, Mudssar Ali, Muhammad Amjad Bashir, Muhammad Akmal, Muhammad Haseeb, Muhammad Usama Imran, Muhammad Taqi, Syed Asad Manzoor, Martin Lukac, Shimat Joseph
Summary: The study found that the intention of Pakistani farmers to adopt integrated pest management practices in vegetable production is low due to their reliance on pesticides for pest control and lack of awareness of the efficacy of non-chemical control measures.
Article
Agricultural Economics & Policy
Kelvin Mulungu, Zewdu Ayalew Abro, Wambui Beatrice Muriithi, Menale Kassie, Fathiya Khamis, Miachael Kidoido, Subramanian Sevgan, Samira Mohamed, Chrysantus Tanga
Summary: Most previous studies on agricultural technology adoption focused on estimating average treatment effects across adopters, while this study examines the heterogeneity in the effects of fruit fly IPM practices in Central Kenya. By applying machine learning methods and analyzing data from a randomized controlled trial, the study finds significant variations in the effects of IPM practices based on household characteristics. Factors such as wealth, distance to the market, age of the household head, labor, and experience in mango farming were identified as important drivers of this heterogeneity. The findings also suggest that households with fewer mango trees tend to benefit more from IPM practices.
JOURNAL OF AGRICULTURAL ECONOMICS
(2023)
Review
Entomology
Grazielle C. Maktura, Beatriz J. Paranhos, Henrique Marques-Souza
Summary: Fruit flies are economically important pests worldwide, causing direct damage to fruit crops. Current control methods involve cultural and biological techniques, as well as the use of pesticides, but there are challenges related to resistance and pollution, indicating the need for new approaches.
JOURNAL OF APPLIED ENTOMOLOGY
(2021)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Valeria Zeni, Giovanni Benelli, Orlando Campolo, Giulia Giunti, Vincenzo Palmeri, Filippo Maggi, Roberto Rizzo, Gabriella Lo Verde, Andrea Lucchi, Angelo Canale
Summary: The Tephritidae family includes highly invasive and harmful species that are controlled primarily with synthetic insecticides, but research has shown that essential oils offer an alternative and eco-friendly option. Essential oils and their main constituents can act as attractants or toxins, showing potential applications in Sterile Insect Technique (SIT) programs and lure and kill techniques.
Article
Ecology
Mercy Mwambi, Lutz Depenbusch, Uon Bonnarith, Paola Sotelo-Cardona, Khemrin Kieu, Nicolas di Tada, Ramasamy Srinivasan, Pepijn Schreinemachers
Summary: Integrated pest management (IPM) is a safer alternative to conventional pest control, but its adoption remains low. This study finds that text messages sent over mobile phones can promote IPM adoption, especially when combined with demonstrations and training. However, there may be unintended adverse effects due to limitations in the correct interpretation of transferred information.
ECOLOGICAL ECONOMICS
(2023)
Article
Horticulture
Laima Blazyte-Cereskiene, Vincas Buda, Violeta Apsegaite, Sandra Radziute, Jurga Budiene, Dominykas Aleknavicius, Raimondas Mozuraitis
Summary: The study found that male R. batava are more attracted to the smell of ripe fruits, while females prefer unripe and semi-ripe fruits. There are significant quantitative and qualitative changes in volatile compounds between ripe and unripe fruits, which may be a key factor in the pest's host location.
Article
Biology
Haider Karar, Muhammad Amjad Bashir, Abdul Basit, Sagheer Atta, Ahmad Ali Anjum, Ali Bakhsh, Arif Hussain, Abid Hameed, Yong Wang, Reem Atalla Alajmi, Dina M. Metwally, Muhammad Imran
Summary: The study evaluated the preference of fourteen mango cultivars for fruit flies and found that late cultivars like `Sanglakhi', `Mehmood Khan', and `Reutal-12' were highly susceptible to fruit flies. Bagging proved to be an effective method for managing fruit flies and improving fruit quality by reducing insect damage and disease incidence.
SAUDI JOURNAL OF BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES
(2021)
Article
Agronomy
Waqas Wakil, Muhammad Usman, Jaime C. Pinero, Shaohui Wu, Michael D. Toews, David I. Shapiro-Ilan
Summary: This study evaluated the effects of different combinations of entomopathogenic fungi (EPF) and entomopathogenic nematodes (EPNs) on the peach fruit fly and the Oriental fruit fly under laboratory, glasshouse, and field cage conditions. The results showed that combined applications of EPF and EPNs were more effective than individual treatments in controlling both fly species. The combination of Beauveria bassiana and Heterorhabditis bacteriophora consistently showed strong effects, while Metarhizium anisopliae applied with Steinernema carpocapsae was the least effective combination. Synergistic interactions were observed between B. bassiana and H. bacteriophora, B. bassiana and S. carpocapsae, and M. anisopliae and H. bacteriophora in different bioassays. Additive effects were observed in other combinations, especially against fly pupae. The study suggests that specific combinations of EPF and EPNs can be deployed in integrated pest management to control fruit flies in orchard agro-ecosystems.
PEST MANAGEMENT SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Entomology
Gwang-Hyun Roh, Paul E. Kendra, Dong H. Cha
Summary: The preference of mated female oriental fruit flies for host fruit odors or protein food odors affects their oviposition outcomes, with females preferring host fruit odors laying more eggs. This suggests an olfactory-based behavioral switch from protein to host odors in oviposition-ready female B. dorsalis.
Article
Entomology
Paul Nyangau, Beatrice Muriithi, Gracious Diiro, Komivi Senyo Akutse, Sevgan Subramanian
Summary: We assessed the knowledge and practices of farmers in Kenya and Uganda regarding common pests and their willingness to pay for biopesticides. The majority of farmers used chemical pesticides to control pests and were aware of their negative effects. Vegetable farmers showed a higher willingness to pay a premium price for biopesticides. Factors such as being male, more educated, higher income, awareness of the negative effects of chemical pesticides, and risk-taking increased the willingness to pay for biopesticides.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PEST MANAGEMENT
(2022)
Article
Agriculture, Multidisciplinary
D. Beesigamukama, B. Mochoge, N. Korir, K. Menale, B. Muriithi, M. Kidoido, H. Kirscht, G. Diiro, C. J. Ghemoh, S. Sevgan, D. Nakimbugwe, M. W. Musyoka, S. Ekesi, C. M. Tanga
Summary: The sustainable utilization of black soldier fly for recycling organic waste into high-quality protein feed and organic fertilizer is gaining momentum worldwide. This study analyzed the economic benefits of farming black soldier fly for animal feeds and production of frass fertilizer using experimental data. The results showed that sourcing and preparing the waste substrate accounted for a large portion of the production cost, and the utilization of frass as an additional product increased farmers' net income significantly. The use of biochar in the feedstock also improved the economic performance of black soldier fly farming. The study highlights the potential of insect farming in circular economy and offers opportunities for enhanced sustainability in agriculture and food systems.
JOURNAL OF INSECTS AS FOOD AND FEED
(2022)
Article
Agronomy
Francis Ogutu, Beatrice W. Muriithi, Patience M. Mshenga, Fathiya M. Khamis, Samira A. Mohamed, Shepard Ndlela
Summary: Tomato production in Kenya, like in other sub-Saharan African countries, is affected by pests and diseases, with the tomato leaf miner being a major threat. To tackle this issue, the International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology (ICIPE) and partners have introduced a fungal-based biopesticide as a sustainable alternative to synthetic pesticides. A market survey conducted among agro-dealers in Kenya's Kirinyaga County showed that a higher proportion of them were willing to stock the biopesticide and pay a higher price for it compared to other insecticides commonly used for managing the tomato leaf miner. The study also revealed that individual characteristics such as age, education, access to social networks and credit facilities, and information were correlated to the agro-dealers' knowledge, perception, and willingness to stock the biopesticide.
Correction
Development Studies
Beatrice Muriithi, Jane Kabubo-Mariara
EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF DEVELOPMENT RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Charity Wangithi, Beatrice W. Muriithi, Gracious Diiro, Thomas Dubois, Samira Mohamed, Michael G. Lattorff, Benignus Ngowi, Elfatih M. Abdel-Rahman, Mariam Adan, Menale Kassie
Summary: This study evaluates the potential economic and welfare impact of integrated pest and pollinator management (IPPM) in avocado production systems in Kenya and Tanzania. The findings suggest that the adoption of IPPM can lead to economic benefits, reduce poverty, accelerate economic development, and improve the livelihoods of various actors in the avocado value chain.
Article
Food Science & Technology
Beatrice W. Muriithi, Kassie Menale, Gracious M. Diiro, Michael N. Okal, Daniel K. Masiga
Summary: Tsetse-transmitted Animal African Trypanosomosis (AAT) is a significant disease affecting livestock development in Sub-Saharan Africa. The use of trypanocides to manage the disease is expensive and poses health risks. The novel Tsetse repellent collar technology (TRCT) developed by icipe provides an effective alternative control measure for AAT. The study found that TRCT increased the market value of cattle by 36%, decreased poverty levels by 8.5% points, and reduced household food insecurity by 36% and hunger scale by 24%.
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Samuel Jeff Otieno, Cecilia Nyawira Ritho, Jonathan Makau Nzuma, Beatrice Wambui Muriithi
Summary: This study evaluates the drivers of the adoption and dis-adoption of Integrated Pest Management (IPM) practices in the suppression of mango fruit-fly infestation in Embu County, Kenya. It employs a Correlated Random Effects Probit Model and a Discrete-time Proportional Hazard Model on two-wave panel data of 149 mango farmers selected using a cluster sampling technique. The descriptive results show that 59% and 17% of the respondents were adopters and dis-adopters of mango fruit fly IPM practices, respectively. Empirical findings reveal that the cost of IPM and training on IPM positively and significantly influenced adoption, while the unavailability of the technology had a negative and significant effect on adoption. For dis-adoption, the results indicate that farm size and the quality of IPM positively influenced the hazard of exit from IPM use, and hence, enhanced the sustained adoption of IPM. The study recommends capacity building for mango farmers through training and increased access to extension services to enhance the adoption of this technology and prevent dis-adoption.
Correction
Food Science & Technology
Beatrice W. W. Muriithi, Kassie Menale, Gracious M. M. Diiro, Michael N. N. Okal, Daniel K. K. Masiga
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Henri E. Z. Tonnang, Bonoukpoe Mawuko Sokame, Mark Wamalwa, Saliou Niassy, Beatrice Wambui Muriithi
Summary: The disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic have had a negative impact on food and nutritional security worldwide. This study proposes a framework to investigate the effects of COVID-19 on food supply chains in Eastern Africa, with Kenya and Rwanda as case studies. The results show that COVID-19 has adversely affected food and nutritional security in these countries.
Review
Entomology
Komi Mensah Agboka, Henri E. Z. Tonnang, Beatrice W. Muriithi, Saliou Niassy, Shepard Ndlela, Elfatih M. Abdel-Rahman, Samira A. Mohamed, Sunday Ekesi
Summary: This study models the spatio-temporal dispersal of a parasitoid in Kenya and estimates the economic benefits of investing in classical biological control. The findings show that investing in CBC can lead to significant economic gains without environmental contamination or adverse effects.
Article
Entomology
Fridah Chepchirchir, Beatrice Wambui Muriithi, Jackson Langat, Shepard Ndlela, Samira Abuelgasim Mohamed, Fathiya Khamis
Summary: The negative effects of pest infestation on agricultural production are significant and efforts to control pests through synthetic pesticides have drawbacks. This study examines the economic, health, and environmental impacts of a specific pest, Tuta absoluta, on tomato production in Kenya and Uganda. The use of synthetic chemicals for pest management contributes to a significant portion of the cost of production.
JOURNAL OF ECONOMIC ENTOMOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Kelvin Mulungu, Hailemariam Tekelewold, Zewdu Abro, Subramanian Sevgan, Beatrice Muriithi, Julius Ecuru, Dennis Beesigamukama, Menale Kassie
Summary: Recent literature has shown that animal pollinator-dependent (PD) crops have the potential to enhance food and nutrition security in sub-Saharan African countries. These crops have higher micronutrient content but lower macronutrient content compared to pollinator-independent (PI) crops. PI crops, on the other hand, have higher calorie yield per hectare. PD crops significantly contribute to vitamin A production.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2023)
Article
Agricultural Economics & Policy
Arnold L. Musungu, Beatrice W. Muriithi, Changeh J. Ghemoh, Dorothy Nakimbugwe, Chrysantus M. Tanga
Summary: Globally, crickets are recognized as a valuable alternative protein source due to their lower resource requirement and ecological footprint compared to traditional livestock. This study found that providing cricket production starter kits, access to credit facilities, encouraging farmer group participation, and fostering partnerships can enhance the adoption of cricket farming. Additionally, institutional training significantly increases cricket yields, while embracing cricket consumption increases market supply. These findings emphasize the importance of technical training, provision of production starter kits, and raising awareness about entomophagy for sustainable mass production and adoption of cricket farming.
AGRICULTURAL AND FOOD ECONOMICS
(2023)
Article
Entomology
Mwangi K. Waithaka, Isaac M. Osuga, Lucy W. Kabuage, Sevgan Subramanian, Beatrice Muriithi, Ann M. Wachira, Chrysantus M. Tanga
Summary: The high cost of feed has been a major obstacle to the growth and sustainability of poultry production. This study found that black soldier fly larva (BSFL) meal can effectively replace expensive fish meal up to 20% in poultry diets without compromising growth performance. Therefore, incorporating BSFL meal into poultry feed production has the potential to reduce overall feed costs while maintaining optimal production of high-quality meat and egg products.
FRONTIERS IN INSECT SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Saliou Niassy, Beatrice Murithii, Evanson R. Omuse, Emily Kimathi, Henri Tonnang, Shepard Ndlela, Samira Mohamed, Sunday Ekesi
Summary: Tephritid fruit flies are notorious pests of horticultural crops, but a comprehensive pest management package has been developed and promoted in Africa over the past two decades. The use of IPM technologies varies across regions, with Eastern and Western Africa leading in technology penetration. However, there is still a demand-supply gap and challenges such as a lack of awareness, access, training, private sector involvement, and policies.