Farmers’ Knowledge, Perceptions, and Management Practices ofFalse Codling Moth (Thaumatotibia leucotreta) in SmallholderCapsicumsp. Cropping Systems in Kenya

Abstract

False codling moth (FCM)Thaumatotibia leucotretaMeyrick (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae) iscurrently the main pest of phytosanitary concern in international trade, causing rejection and declineof horticultural produce from Kenya exported to the European Union (EU). Overreliance on syntheticinsecticides to control this pest is ineffective and unsustainable in the long run, whereas continuoususe of pesticides results in high levels of residues in the produce. To gather farmers’ knowledge,attitudes, and practices used by smallholder farmers to manage this pest, a field survey was carriedout in 10Capsicumsp. (Solanales: Solanaceae)-producing counties in Kenya. Data were collectedusing semi-structured questionnaires administered through face-to-face interviews and focus groupdiscussions involving 108 individual farmers, 20 key informants, and 10 focus group discussions.The majority of the respondents (83.33%) were aware of the FCM infestingCapsicumsp. About threequarters of the farmers (76.85%) reported yield losses and unmarketable quality of FCM-infestedCapsicumsp. Most farmers interviewed (99.07%) used insecticides as a management tool. In contrast,only 39.81% of the farmers applied integrated pest management strategies including use of biologicalcontrol agents and intercropping with repellent plants to control this pest. The results show thatFCM is perceived as a significant threat to the horticultural industry of Kenya. Training needs forsmallholder farmers and key informants to avoid overreliance on synthetic chemical pesticides andto maintain export goals to the EU where identified