Natural Pest Regulation and Its Compatibility with Other Crop Protection Practices in Smallholder Bean Farming Systems

Abstract

Common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris) production and storage are limited by numerous constraints. Insect pests are often the most destructive. However, resource-constrained smallholders in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) often do little to manage pests. Where farmers do use a control strategy, it typically relies on chemical pesticides, which have adverse effects on the wildlife, crop pollinators, natural enemies, mammals, and the development of resistance by pests. Nature-based solutions —in particular, using biological control agents with sustainable approaches that include biopesticides, resistant varieties, and cultural tools—are alternatives to chemical control. However, significant barriers to their adoption in SSA include a lack of field data and knowledge on the natural enemies of pests, safety, efficacy, the spectrum of activities, the availability and costs of biopesticides, the lack of sources of resistance for different cultivars, and spatial and temporal inconsistencies for cultural methods. Here, we critically review the control options for bean pests, particularly the black bean aphid (Aphis fabae) and pod borers (Maruca vitrata). We identified natural pest regulation as the option with the greatest potential for this farming system. We recommend that farmers adapt to using biological control due to its compatibility with other sustainable approaches, such as cultural tools, resistant varieties, and biopesticides for effective management, especially in SSA.

Reproductive potential of the black bean aphid (Aphis fabae Scop.) on a range of faba bean (Vicia faba L.) accessions

“…Spring migration from the spindle trees may have been low during the test year due to poor autumn or winter conditions (Cammel et al, 1989). Heavy showers, strong winds, and relatively low spring temperatures (Nikolova, 2019) along with the presence of natural enemies would have contributed to the slow population growth (Dixon, 1977; Ndakidemi et al, 2021; Way, 1966). Nevertheless, the large difference between ILB938/2 and Columbo was maintained, supporting our earlier suggestion that ILB938/2 has an antagonistic effect on the performance of the black bean aphid (Morvan, 1987; Shannag & Ababneh, 2007).…”

Field margins and cropping system influence diversity and abundance of aphid natural enemies in Lablab purpureus

“…The first treatment factor was for experimental plots with field margin vegetation planted with four plant species (Appendix S1). The field margin plant species were selected based on their relative abundance in the ecosystem and previous studies, which indicated their role in supporting beneficial insects (Ditner et al, 2013; Ndakidemi et al, 2021). The plant species were Chenopodium album (Amaranthaceae), Bidens pilosa (Asteraceae), Galinsoga parviflora (Asteraceae) and Tagetes minuta (Asteraceae).…”

Temporal Analysis of the Relationship between Black Bean Aphid (Aphis fabae) Infestation and Meteorological Conditions in Faba Bean (Vicia faba)

“…However, faba bean production faces numerous challenges, including various insect pests that can significantly impact yield and quality. Among these pests, the black bean aphid (Aphis fabae S.) (Hemiptera: Aphididae) stands out as a major threat, causing substantial economic losses in many faba-bean-growing regions [1,2].…”