Integrated Pest Management (IPM) of pigeon pea pests for improved yields in Kenya

Description

The trial was to test whether pest management in pigeon pea production had effects on yields (quantity & quality). Results showed a highly significant difference (p<.001) in the pigeon pea grain yields with (1.66±0.041; 0.91±0.042) tons per Ha for UM and LM agro ecological zones, respectively. An increase of 43.29% and 52.35% in the number of pods was recorded in IPM and FP managed plots, respectively. Further, pod weight (g) for IPM plot increased by 39.24% against a 48.22% in the FP managed plots. Records of 40.81% & 55.37% increase in number of grains in IPM and FP managed plots were established, respectively. Additionally, the grain weight (g) increased by 34.77% in the IPM and by 51.60% in the FP managed plots. An increase in percent protein content was recorded with 16.85%, 16.67% and 14.64% from FP, IPM and control managed plots, respectively. Higher yields were noted in UM compared to LM Agro Ecological Zone. Pest management is a key input in pigeon pea production and farmers need to manage pests for increased quantities and quality.

Steps to reproduce

This study was done in lower eastern Kenya to compare impact of various management practices against pigeon pea pests. Six and eight farms planted with pigeon pea crop were used in seasons one and two, respectively. Selection of farms was based on Agro Ecological Zones (UM & LM), where three and four farms were used in each during season one and two, respectively. In each farm, three plots were established where pests were managed through an integrated pest management (IPM) in one, farmer practice (FP) in another and a control without pest management. Crop and pest data were collected and analyzed using GenStat to determine whether pest management had impact on yields (quantity & quality).

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