Establishment of an Exotic Parasitoid Cotesia vestalis in Coastal Areas of Kenya as Biological Control Agent of Plutella xylostella

Abstract

The aims of this study were to follow up on the establishment of Cotesia vestalis in the coastal regions of Kenya, assessing its contribution in the management of the diamondback moth (Plutella xylostella), parasitism rates, and cultural practices affecting its establishment. Post-release surveys were carried out in five counties in Kenya, Kitui, Kajiado, Kwale, Machakos and Makueni, between 2015 and 2016. The results showed that the overall parasitism rate of C. vestalis in 2015 ranged between 0% and 37.86% while that in 2016 ranged from 0% to 32.19% in the different counties. Farmers carry out routine sprays, either weekly or fortnightly, with different synthetic insecticides. Pyrethroids (60.56%) constituted most of the insecticides used, while only 3.18% of the products used were plant or microorganismbased. Farmers did most of their cabbage production during the rainy season, with

Farmers’ Knowledge, Attitude, and Practices Regarding the Use of Agroecological-Based Pest Management Practices in Crucifers and Traditional African Vegetable (TAV) Production in Kenya and Tanzania

“…Similarly, Tanzania's horticulture sector is growing at 11% per annum, surpassing its agricultural growth rate of 4%, and the country is one of the world's top 20 producers of vegetables [2]. Kenyan and Tanzanian households commonly cultivate cruciferous vegetables such as cabbages and kales [3][4][5]. Traditional African vegetables (TAVs) have also been part of the food systems of these countries for generations since they are exceptional sources of vitamins, dietary fiber, and minerals [3,6].…”