The desert locust, Schistocerca gregaria (Forskal) is arguably the most destructive agricultural pest globally. Favourable ecological and weather conditions can lead to rapid desert locust development, migration and spread across multiple countries, making this a major transboundary pest of great importance.

Like all other locusts and grasshoppers, the desert locust has three stages of development: egg, nymph (hopper) and adult.

The desert locust is a species of locust and a member of the grasshopper family Acrididae, which includes most of the short-horned grasshoppers. Locusts differ from grasshoppers because they can change their behaviour and physiology in response to changes in density.

Fall armyworm (Spodoptera frugiperda) is an insect pest. It is a heavy feeder, feeding on more than 80 varieties of crops, including maize, sorghum, rice, millet, wheat, sugarcane and vegetables, but primarily affecting maize.

Biological control is the human use of specifically chosen organisms (parasitoids, predators and pathogens) also known as “farmers’ friends” to reduce damage caused by a pest.

Biological control is the human use of specifically chosen organisms (parasitoids, predators and pathogens), also known as “farmers’ friends” to reduce damage caused by a pest.

Female fruit flies require protein to mature their eggs. Sugars in protein bait are also important for the fruit flies to survive and mature. Protein bait, therefore, is attractive to female and male fruit flies. When mixed at the recommended concentration with appropriate insecticides, they attract different species of fruit flies that attack fruits and vegetables.

Fruit fly monitoring is an action taken to understand the population dynamics of the fruit flies in the field to guide control measures. It is done using traps baited with attractants (lures).

Male annihilation is the process of mass trapping of male fruit flies using male attractants such as methyl eugenol (ME), Cuelure and Trimedlure in combination with an approved insecticides.

Field sanitation is the process of collecting and destroying all infested fruits containing fruit fly eggs and maggots, on the ground and trees, to reduce fruit fly populations in the field.

The purpose of this manual is to present Integrated Pest Management (IPM) practices that are recommended to be implemented by tomato growers.

Managing the Fall armyworm threat using the Push–Pull Technology.

This manual presents IPM practices that are recommended to be implemented by maize growers. The IPM practices will reduce damage caused by Fall armyworm, maize stemborers and Striga, increase maize yield, protect the environment, and safeguard human health – through reduced use of synthetic chemicals.

A guide to biological control of maize stemborers, Busseola fusca, Sesamia calamistis and Chilo partellus, using the larval parasitoids, Cotesia sesamiae and Cotesia flavipes