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Sustainable Integrated Pest Management: Achievements and Challenges

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A special issue of Sustainability (ISSN 2071-1050). This special issue belongs to the section "Sustainable Agriculture".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (31 December 2023) | Viewed by 18207

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Special Issue Editors

Dr. Fathiya Mbarak Khamis

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Guest Editor

Plant Health Theme, International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology, P.O. Box 30772-00100, Nairobi, Kenya
Interests: integrated pest management; use of molecular tools for species identification; population genetics and microbiome analyses to enhance IPM systems

Dr. Inusa Jacob Ajene

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Guest Editor

International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology, P.O. Box 30772-00100, Nairobi, Kenya
Interests: integrated pest management; metabolomics for IPM; plant pathology; population genetics; invasive species distribution; sustainable agriculture and vector–pathogen–host interactions

Dr. Mustafa O. Jibrin

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Guest Editor

Plant Pathology (Horticulture Plant Pathology), Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK, USA
Interests: sustainable agriculture; plant disease systems; food safety systems; crop management and phytobacteriology

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

The goals of attaining global food security and alleviating poverty are challenged by significant crop losses worldwide due to invertebrate pests, pathogens, and weeds. In the context of food security, agricultural losses due to pests and diseases equate to the amount of food required to feed over one billion people. The use of synthetic pesticides has become standard practice for managing pests and diseases; however, this presents significant ecological and environmental challenges. Hence, there is a drive to develop alternative methods and strategies that are environmentally safe and ecologically sustainable. Integrated pest management (IPM) is a pest management system that is designed to be sustainable and that involves the use of an optimal combination of biological, cultural, and chemical measures via a targeted approach to manage pests and to improve agricultural output. A fundamental principle of an effective IPM system is to develop pest control strategies that fully consider all of the relevant control strategies and locally available methods while also considering biodiversity, environmental sustainability, and social needs. In this regard, this Special Issue, titled "Sustainable Integrated Pest Management: Achievements and Challenges", aims to provide the most relevant experiences and main scientific output through research papers that present basic and applied research in areas of integrated pest control strategies that are currently being developed and used to manage pests of agricultural importance. The scope of this Special Issue includes but is not limited to research on biocontrol agents (botanicals, endophytes, entomopathogens, parasitoids, and predators), farming systems applying IPM approaches, the application of biotechnology in IPM, challenges in adopting IPM, and the application of IPM for agricultural transformation for sustainable development.

Dr. Fathiya Mbarak Khamis
Dr. Inusa Jacob Ajene
Dr. Mustafa O. Jibrin
Guest Editors

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Keywords

IPM
biocontrol
biopesticides
food security
food safety
environmentally friendly agriculture systems
sustainable agriculture
next-generation IPM tools
biotechnology in IPM systems
challenges and opportunities for IPM

Published Papers (11 papers)

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Research

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16 pages, 1228 KiB

Open AccessArticle

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

by Essy C. Kirui, Michael M. Kidoido, Daniel M. Mutyambai, Dickson O. Okello and Komivi S. Akutse

Sustainability 2023, 15(23), 16491; https://doi.org/10.3390/su152316491 - 1 Dec 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1286

Abstract

Crucifers and traditional African vegetables (TAVs) are important to smallholders in Kenya and Tanzania, but yield remains below potential due to pests and diseases. Agroecological production methods present a nature-based solution to pest and disease management in crucifer and TAV production. We explore the status of farmers’ knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding agroecological-based production pest management practices. Structured and pretested questionnaires were used to collect data from 1071 vegetable farming households in Kenya and Tanzania. Using descriptive statistics, parametric, and non-parametric analysis, our study revealed that less than 20% of farmers had received training on agroecological-based practices and less than 25% were aware of most of these practices. Among those who were aware of the practices and could confirm their effectiveness less than 12% had adopted them, except for crop rotation and handpicking of pests. This study attributes the low adoption to farmers’ negative attitudes towards the practices. Nonetheless, the study further revealed that training significantly and positively influences the adoption of the practices. Therefore, we recommend that governments and other stakeholders promote targeted awareness campaigns and increase access to training on vegetable production using sustainable pest and disease management practices. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Integrated Pest Management: Achievements and Challenges)

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21 pages, 3014 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Field Evaluation of Slow-Release Wax Formulations: A Novel Approach for Managing Bactrocera zonata (Saunders) (Diptera: Tephritidae)

by Muhammad Dildar Gogi, Waleed Afzal Naveed, Asim Abbasi, Bilal Atta, Muhammad Asif Farooq, Mishal Subhan, Inzamam Ul Haq, Muhammad Asrar, Najat A. Bukhari, Ashraf Atef Hatamleh and Mohamed A. A. Ahmed

Sustainability 2023, 15(19), 14470; https://doi.org/10.3390/su151914470 - 4 Oct 2023

Viewed by 958

Abstract

Chemical management of the peach fly, Bactrocera zonata has been compromised due to adverse effects of pesticide residues that not only contaminate environment but also affect non-target organisms including beneficial insects, birds, aquatic life, and soil microorganisms. They can be impacted through direct exposure or by consuming contaminated prey or plants. The present study was designed keeping in view this increasing demand of the consumers to get pesticide residue free fruit and vegetable produce because it reflects the growing consumer concern for food safety and environmental sustainability, motivating the need for alternative pest management strategies. The field experiment was conducted to determine the best slow-release formulation prepared by mixing the following five different types of waxes, including Candelilla wax (CanW), Paraffin wax (PW), Carnauba wax (CarW), Lanolin wax (LW) and Bees wax (BW) with methyl eugenol (ME) (to attract male B. zonata). The selection of the five different types of waxes was likely based on their biodegradability, availability, and potential for slow-release properties. The result revealed that formulations containing SRF-7[LW], SRF-9[CanW], SRF-8[BW], SRF-9[CarW] and SRF-9[PW] exhibited the maximum capture of 42.10 ± 8.14, 43.30 ± 1.76, 34.30 ± 2.96, 35.30 ± 3.18 and 22.70 ± 3.18 male B. zonata per trap per day, respectively. These effective formulations were further evaluated in experiment in which the comparative trapping efficiency of each wax formulation was assessed. The results demonstrated that formulation containing SRF-9[CanW] was expressed maximum capture 13.77 ± 1.26 male B. zonata per trap per day. These formulations were further evaluated in another experiment in which the trapping efficiency was assessed by four different application methods (simple bottle trap, simple bottle trap with water, yellow sticky trap and jute piece with sticky material). The results demonstrated that formulation containing SRF-9[CarW] applied by yellow sticky trap (YST) trapped 61.74 + 7.69 male B. zonata per trap per day and proved more effective. This formulation can be recommended for trapping and management of male population of B. zonata in fruit orchards. This study can influence eco-friendly B. zonata pest control policies, reducing chemical pesticide usage and promoting agricultural sustainability. Future research should study the long-term impact of slow-release formulations on agricultural sustainability, including pest control, crop yield, and agroecosystem health. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Integrated Pest Management: Achievements and Challenges)

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13 pages, 291 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Suppression of Meloidogyne javanica Infection in Peach (Prunus persica (L.) Batsch) Using Fungal Biocontrol Agents

by Muhammad Saeed, Tariq Mukhtar, Raees Ahmed, Tanveer Ahmad and Muhammad Aamir Iqbal

Sustainability 2023, 15(18), 13833; https://doi.org/10.3390/su151813833 - 17 Sep 2023

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 884

Abstract

In South Asian countries, the lucrative production of peaches has been seriously threatened by an assortment of biotic stresses especially nematodes. This situation compromises the achievement of sustainable development goals (SDGs) related to food security and zero hunger. Recently under changing climate, root-knot nematodes of the genus Meloidogyne have emerged as the most damaging phytopathogenic nematodes, while the efficacy of chemical control has remained limited. Therefore, a study was executed to assess the efficacy of four biocontrol agents including Pochonia chlamydosporia, Purpureocillum lilacinum, Trichoderma harzianum, and T. viride (at concentrations of 2.5 × 10³, 5 × 10³, 7.5 × 10³, and 1 × 10⁴) along with nematicide Rugby and a control treatment against Meloidogyne javanica on peach. The response variables included nematode infestations in terms of number of galls, egg masses, and reproductive factors. P. lilacinus and T. harzianum (1 × 10⁴ concentration) reduced the number of galls by 18% and 16%, respectively, than the control. All biocontrol agents exhibited their effectiveness by significantly reducing number of egg masses, eggs per egg mass, and reproductive factors, while these remained statistically at par to each other. The study proved that application of these biocontrol agents holds potential for controlling root-knot nematodes and might be developed as a potent strategy to replace or at least reduce the use of traditional chemicals for avoiding environmental pollution and contamination. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Integrated Pest Management: Achievements and Challenges)

11 pages, 792 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Efficacy of Metarhizium anisopliae against the Greater Pumpkin Fly Dacus bivitattus

by Thomas Dubois, Susan K. Onsongo, Evanson R. Omuse, Joseph A. Odhiambo, Komivi S. Akutse and Samira A. Mohamed

Sustainability 2023, 15(17), 13185; https://doi.org/10.3390/su151713185 - 1 Sep 2023

Viewed by 766

Abstract

The greater pumpkin fly Dacus bivittatus (Bigot) is a fruit fly indigenous to Africa, which causes extensive damage to Cucurbitaceae. To control this pest, farmers rely on synthetic chemicals, often organophosphates, which have negative effects on human health and the environment. However, the sustainable management of D. bivittatus may be obtained through integrated pest management (IPM) practices, with the use of biopesticides as a key component. In this study, the effect of nine isolates of the entomopathogenic fungus Metarhizium anisopliae (Metschnikoff) Sorokin (ICIPE 18, ICIPE 20, ICIPE 30, ICIPE 48, ICIPE 62, ICIPE 69, ICIPE 84, ICIPE 91 and ICIPE 94) was directly evaluated on adult D. bivittatus mortality. Adult flies were allowed to walk for 5 min on 0.3 g of dry conidia of each isolate and monitored daily for 10 days. We also evaluated the effect of sand inoculated with M. anisopliae on larval and pupal mortality and adult eclosion and mortality in three replicated experiments. Larvae were exposed to the same isolates at a concentration of 1 × 10⁷ conidia/mL in sterile sand, and adult eclosion and mortality were monitored for 15 days. The median lethal time (LT₅₀) of adults after direct exposure was shortest for ICIPE 18, ICIPE 20, ICIPE 30 and ICIPE 69 (3.11–3.52 days). In infested sand, larval mortality was highest for ICIPE 18 and ICIPE 20 (≥42.50%), while pupal mortality was highest for ICIPE 30 (≥41.25%). The lowest eclosion was observed for ICIPE 18, ICIPE 20, ICIPE 30 and ICIPE 69 (≤40.00%). The LT₅₀ of adults eclosed from infested sand was shortest for ICIPE 18, ICIPE 20 and ICIPE 30 (4.48–6.95 days). ICIPE 18, ICIPE 20, ICIPE 30 and ICIPE 69 are, therefore, potential isolates for subsequent field testing on D. bivittatus populations. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Integrated Pest Management: Achievements and Challenges)

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15 pages, 3361 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Efficacy of Botanical Extract Formulations of Zanthroxylum usambarense and Warburgia ugandensis on Post-Harvest Management of Sitophilus zeamais in Maize

by Rhonest Siroya Mpoke, Johnson Kinyua, Josephine Wambaire Kimani, Inusa Jacob Ajene, Paddy Likhayo and Fathiya Mbarak Khamis

Sustainability 2023, 15(14), 10833; https://doi.org/10.3390/su151410833 - 10 Jul 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1220

Abstract

Sitophilus zeamais causes significant losses to maize produce worldwide. The use of biodegradable and environmentally friendly botanicals as an alternative to synthetic pesticides is increasingly becoming important. Therefore, we sought to determine the use of plant extract formulations to manage S. zeamais during storage. Crude Zanthroxylum usambarense and Warburgia ugandensis stembark extracts were used for contact toxicity and repellent bioassays against S. zeamais. The formulations that exhibited the highest repellence and mortality were tested for insecticidal activity during storage for six months. Phytochemical profiles of the extracts were determined using GC-MS, and molecular docking of active compounds against insect target proteins was done. Mortality analyses revealed LD₅₀ values of 114.89 µg/mL and 197.19 µg/mL for Z. usambarense’s hexane and methanol organic extracts, respectively. Warburgia ugandensis extracts had LD₅₀ values of 69.25 µg/mL and 163.52 µg/mL, respectively. Extract formulations achieved weevil perforation index values of <50.00 in all treatments. The docking analysis showed the pesticidal potential of several compounds, and mortality could be attributed to Eugenol (19.28%), 1,8-cineole (5.78%) and Linalool (21.42%). The tested botanicals have demonstrated their ability to suppress S. zeamais development in stored maize and could be utilized to protect maize grains during storage. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Integrated Pest Management: Achievements and Challenges)

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14 pages, 1836 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Farmers’ Knowledge, Control Methods, and Challenges of Managing Bean Leaf Beetles (Ootheca spp.) in Uganda

by Julius Mugonza, James P. Egonyu and Michael H. Otim

Sustainability 2023, 15(6), 5229; https://doi.org/10.3390/su15065229 - 15 Mar 2023

Viewed by 1378

Abstract

Bean leaf beetles (BLBs) (Ootheca spp.) are important field insect pests of the common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) in agricultural communities in Sub-Saharan Africa. A survey of 128 farmers was conducted in Arua, Hoima, Lira, and Lwengo districts in Uganda, where the common bean is a major food and income crop. This paper evaluated farmers’ knowledge, control strategies, and challenges in managing BLBs. Over 87% of the farmers in Arua and Lira could identify BLBs by local names, compared to less than 45% in Hoima and Lwengo. Less than 8% of the farmers in all districts were aware that BLBs oviposit, diapause, and then emerge from the soil. Many farmers (75%) in Lwengo perceived BLBs infestation as mild, 65.6% in Hoima thought it was moderate, and 78% and 56% in Arua and Lira respectively thought it was severe. The use of chemicals was popular in all districts and also perceived to be the most effective method for controlling BLBs. The reported obstacles to controlling BLBs were a lack of understanding of proper control methods, and the existence of fake insecticides on the market. We recommend that the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries customizes the agricultural extension information packages to include BLBs and cost-effective control strategies for them. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Integrated Pest Management: Achievements and Challenges)

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12 pages, 1169 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Eco-Friendly Biocontrol of Moniliasis in Ecuadorian Cocoa Using Biplot Techniques

by Juan Diego Valenzuela-Cobos, Fabricio Guevara-Viejó, Purificación Vicente-Galindo and Purificación Galindo-Villardón

Sustainability 2023, 15(5), 4223; https://doi.org/10.3390/su15054223 - 26 Feb 2023

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2037

Abstract

Cocoa is the main crop in Ecuador’s agricultural sector and is the most important to the country’s economy. This crop is mainly threatened by moniliasis caused by Moniliophthora roreri and Moniliophthora perniciosa. Monialisis is a disease that causes the watery rot of cocoa beans, causing serious yield losses at crop harvest and great economic losses. In this research, we used 50 Trichoderma spp. cultivated in two culture media, PDA and MEA, to demonstrate mycelial growth and antagonistic capacity against two cacao-crop pathogens: M. roreri and M. perniciosa. Multivariate methods, namely a PCA biplot and a GGE biplot, indicated that four strains of Trichoderma spp. (17, 33, 42 and 44) cultivated on the PDA medium had the highest mycelial characteristic values and antagonistic capacities against Moniliophthora perniciosa. The experimental test showed that the lowest incidence of moniliasis and highest yield of cocoa occurred when using the treatments based on the Trichoderma spp. The results obtained in this study allow the use of strain 42 to control moniliasis in cocoa, avoiding economic losses. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Integrated Pest Management: Achievements and Challenges)

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12 pages, 628 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Direct and Indirect Infection Effects of Four Potent Fungal Isolates on the Survival and Performance of Fall Armyworm Larval Parasitoid Cotesia icipe

by Junitor Chepkemoi, Ken Okwae Fening, Felicitas Chaba Ambele, Joseph Munywoki and Komivi Senyo Akutse

Sustainability 2023, 15(4), 3250; https://doi.org/10.3390/su15043250 - 10 Feb 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1490

Abstract

Fall armyworm (FAW), Spodoptera frugiperda, has recently invaded Africa where it is seriously threatening food security. Current management methods rely heavily on synthetic insecticides which are harmful to humans, the environment, and non-target beneficial insects. Cotesia icipe was recently identified as a major FAW-associated indigenous parasitoid causing a high parasitism rate on the pest in Kenya. Previous studies have demonstrated the efficacy of Metarhizium anisopliae ICIPE 7, ICIPE 41, ICIPE 78, and Beauveria bassiana ICIPE 621 against FAW. However, limited information is available on the interactions between these potent isolates and C. icipe. This study therefore assessed direct and indirect infection effects of these fungal isolates on C. icipe, induced 2nd instar FAW mortality, and parasitism rates of the infected C. icipe. Results showed that when C. icipe were directly exposed to dry conidia of the fungal isolates, ICIPE 7 and ICIPE 41 caused the highest (100%) C. icipe adult mortality seven days post-exposure. Both isolates also induced the highest FAW larval mortality of 55% and 53%, respectively. ICIPE 78 recorded the highest parasitism rates after direct infection. In the indirect exposure (fungal-infected FAW larvae exposed to the parasitoid), 1 × 10⁹ conidia mL⁻¹ recorded high C. icipe adult and FAW 2nd instar mortalities for all fungal isolates. This study provides an important baseline for effective fungal-based biopesticides development that could also be used in augmentative biological control. However, further studies are warranted to assess the performance of C. icipe in combination with these potent biopesticides in the field. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Integrated Pest Management: Achievements and Challenges)

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14 pages, 314 KiB

Open AccessArticle

First Report of Field Efficacy and Economic Viability of Metarhizium anisopliae-ICIPE 20 for Tuta absoluta (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae) Management on Tomato

by Fred Peter Kabaale, Venansio Tumuhaise, William Tinzaara, Geoffrey Turyasingura, Sevgan Subramanian, Fathiya Mbarak Khamis and Komivi Senyo Akutse

Sustainability 2022, 14(22), 14846; https://doi.org/10.3390/su142214846 - 10 Nov 2022

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1659

Abstract

Eco-friendly pest control options are highly needed in food crop production systems to mitigate the hazards of synthetic chemical pesticides. Entomopathogenic fungal biopesticides—Metarhizium anisopliae strains ICIPE 20 (oil-formulation containing 1.0 × 10⁹ conidia/mL) and ICIPE 69 (commercialized biopesticide known as Mazao Campaign^®)—were evaluated against Tuta absoluta on tomato through inundative foliar spray and compared with the commonly used pesticide Dudu Acelamectin 5% EC (Abamectin 20 g/L + Acetamiprid 3%) and untreated plot. All the treatments were arranged in a randomized complete block design with three replicates. The field experiments were conducted for two consecutive cropping seasons in Mukono district, Uganda. Tuta absoluta infestation, injury severity on leaves and fruits, fruit yield loss, marketable fruit yield gain and cost–benefit ratio of the treatments were assessed. The results during both seasons showed a significant lower fruit yield loss in M. anisopliae ICIPE 20-treated plots compared to untreated plots, with a marketable fruit yield gain exceeding 22% and a cost–benefit ratio greater than 2.8 (BCR~3). Dudu Acelamectin 5% EC outperformed all the other treatments, but needs to be considered with caution due to its non-target effect and resistance development, whereas M. anisopliae ICIPE 69 performed the least well. In addition, the findings showed the high degree of efficacy and economic viability of these biopesticides as a potential T. absoluta control option in the field. However, it is important to further explore different formulations of these eco-friendly biopesticides, inoculum delivery approach, application frequency, their effectiveness in different agro-ecological zones and compatibility with commonly used pesticides in tomato production systems for sustainable management of T. absoluta. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Integrated Pest Management: Achievements and Challenges)

Review

Jump to: Research

26 pages, 3680 KiB

Open AccessReview

A Systematic Review of the Bioactivity of Jatropha curcas L. (Euphorbiaceae) Extracts in the Control of Insect Pests

by Armando Valdez-Ramirez, Antonio Flores-Macias, Rodolfo Figueroa-Brito, Maria E. de la Torre-Hernandez, Miguel A. Ramos-Lopez, Saul A. Beltran-Ontiveros, Delia M. Becerril-Camacho and Daniel Diaz

Sustainability 2023, 15(15), 11637; https://doi.org/10.3390/su151511637 - 27 Jul 2023

Viewed by 1560

Abstract

The use of botanical extracts of the plant Jatropha curcas (Euphorbiaceae) represents a valuable alternative to control insect pests and avoid the detrimental effects on the environment and health that arise due to synthetic chemical insecticides. Thus, we conducted a systematic review to summarize the published evidence on the bioactivity of J. curcas against insect pests. Electronic databases were searched to identify studies that assessed J. curcas extracts against insect pests in various types of crops. We included 39 articles that reported the insecticidal and insectistatic activity of several botanical extracts from J. curcas against insects of eight different taxonomic orders. The evidence demonstrates that aqueous and methanolic extracts from seeds and leaves, seed oil, and petroleum ether seed extracts were effective against insect pests of stored grains, aphids of cabbage and sorghum, fruit flies, and desert locusts. The extracts caused high mortality, controlled the populations, reduced oviposition, diminished hatchability, and increased the antifeedant effect. However, the type of solvent used to obtain the botanical extract and the method of application (contact or food) are fundamental to increase its bioactivity. Therefore, botanical extracts from seeds and leaves of J. curcas should be considered as an alternative against insect pests and may be incorporated into integrative and sustainable management for insect control. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Integrated Pest Management: Achievements and Challenges)

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24 pages, 421 KiB

Open AccessReview

Global Advances on Insect Pest Management Research in Oil Palm

by James P. Egonyu, John Baguma, Luis C. Martínez, Hari Priwiratama, Sevgan Subramanian, Chrysantus M. Tanga, Jacob P. Anankware, Nanna Roos and Saliou Niassy

Sustainability 2022, 14(23), 16288; https://doi.org/10.3390/su142316288 - 6 Dec 2022

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 3593

Abstract

Here, we review the advances in research on management of key oil palm insect pests globally, including defoliators, leaf/fruit scrapers, borers and sap feeders. The common oil palm pest management methods include synthetic insecticides, biopesticides, semiochemical lures, cultural practices, and integrated approaches. However, effectiveness, affordability, availability and impact of these methods on human and environmental health vary considerably based on the target insect and geographical location. The use of quarantine regulations to prevent the spread of invasive pests has also been applied with remarkable results. There are notable research advances in semiochemicals, bioacoustic detectors, nanotechnology, insect growth regulators, and entomophagy for better management of oil palm pests. We suggest the following research areas for improving effectiveness of oil palm pest management interventions: (i) exploration of semiochemical attractants for the majority of pests with no previous semiochemical work, and their integration in attract-and-kill devices laced with pathogenic microbes; (ii) expanding the application of digital sensing, predictive modeling and nano-technology in pest control strategies; (iii) developing effective technologies for mass trapping of edible insect pests for food or feed, especially among communities with a tradition of entomophagy; and (iv) strengthening regulatory frameworks for the management of quarantine oil palm insect pests. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Integrated Pest Management: Achievements and Challenges)

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