Written by Sam Oduor

Six Young Scientists Undergo Training on Biopesticides Production in Kenya

Six young scientists from Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania are currently undergoing training in Machakos County, Kenya, on the mass production of entomopathogenic fungi as a control measure against various agricultural pests.

Under the leadership of João Araújo, a mycologist at the Natural History Museum of Denmark and assistant professor at the University of Copenhagen, the team is engaged in a rigorous laboratory exercise focused on investigating fungi designated for use in biological pest control, particularly against fall armyworms.

The utilization of entomopathogenic fungi aligns with the objectives of the Feed the Future Innovation Lab for Current and Emerging Threats to Crops (CETC IL), which emphasizes an integrated pest management (IPM) approach.

Frankiline Areba, the IPM technical lead at PlantVillage Kenya, emphasized that the entomopathogenic fungi pesticide for maize will complement the use of parasitoids developed by CETC IL, which target fall armyworm eggs during the early stages of crop growth.

“Entomopathogenic fungi are intended to supplement the parasitoids by targeting the larval stage of fall armyworms infesting maize crops, providing farmers with a comprehensive pest management solution,” he said.

Dr. Araújo has been guiding the team in the collection of adult fall armyworms from maize fields and assisting them in establishing a method to isolate and culture fungi from these pests under controlled laboratory conditions to enhance multiplication rates.

“The fungi, cultured in petri dishes for multiplication, will undergo microscopic evaluation and DNA sequencing,” he said.

Mr. Areba further elucidated that the project aims to extend beyond laboratory research to include farmer training on the mode of action and application methods of the fungi, highlighting its significance in pest eradication and its environmental benefits compared to synthetic pesticides.

“The project aspires to expand globally and engage more youthful scientists to ensure the successful implementation of biological control measures against various agricultural pests,” he added.

Dr. David Hughes, the director of CETC IL and founder of PlantVillage, commended the exercise as a significant stride in building capacity for young scientists to innovate solutions aimed at addressing both current and emerging threats to crops.

“It is a joy to have João be with the team from Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania to learn the importance of morphological diagnostics and culturing of fungi.

“We will be expanding this training, and since I started, a great concern for me and many others is the lack of training of young people in taxonomy, systematics, and mycology,” read part of his post on LinkedIn.

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