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Identification of pheromones of the Tropical Legume Pod Bore Maruca vitrata
Project
Project code: JKI-ÖPV-08-1306
Contract period: 01.03.2014
- 31.12.2015
Purpose of research: Applied research
In Kenya, African indigenous vegetables (AIV) are increasingly popular staples in the diet of local people. They are rich in health promoting compounds and assist in combating micronutrient deficiencies and malnutrition (also known as hidden hunger). AIVs also contribute to food security and income generation among the subsistence and semi-commercial farmers in Kenya and Africa. Among AIVs many legumes have been recommended for soil fertility improvement and weed suppression. Multiple uses of legumes have fostered their adoption. Cowpea (Vigna unguiculata [L.] Walp.) is the most important food legume grown in the tropical Savanna zones of Africa. The mature grain contains 23-25% protein, 50-67% starch, B vitamins such as folic acid which is important in preventing birth defects, and essential micronutrients including iron, calcium, and zinc. Although a significant amount of cowpea is commercialized, it plays a critical subsistence role in the diet of many households in Africa, providing nutrients that are deficient in cereals. AIV production is constrained by pests and diseases which severely impacts the quantity and quality available in the value chain. Pests and diseases lead commonly to an overuse of chemical pesticides in small scale and commercial production systems, causing well-known toxicological and environmental problems. More sustainable integrated pest and disease management is therefore a high priority, furthering the production of healthy vegetables. Focusing on important vegetable crops in Kenya, the integrated pest management group objectives are to develop sustainable management strategies for a) Root-knot Nematode pests, viruses and phytoplasmas on African nightshades, b) cowpea insect pests and c) insect pests and diseases on leafy indigenous vegetables in Kenya. JKI together with its partner Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Division Urban Plant Ecophysiology, is targeting the identification of sexpheromones of the most important legume pes.
Section overview
Subjects
- Crop Protection
- Vegetable Gardening
Framework programme
Funding programme
Excutive institution
Institute for Ecological Chemistry, Plant Analysis and Stored Products Protection (JKI-ÖPV)
