Browsing by Author "Lekamoi, Upendo"

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Effects of Tephrosia vogelii formulation with rabbit urine on insect pests and pollinators of sesame in Singida, Tanzania
(NM-AIST, 2022-07) Lekamoi, Upendo
This study assessed the effects of Tephrosia vogelii (T. vogelii) formulation with rabbit urine on insect pests and pollinators of sesame in a field experiment in Singida, Tanzania from February 2021 to July 2021. The field experiment consisted of five treatments arranged in a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD). The field experiment treatments included (application rates are w/v for T. vogelii; v/v for rabbit urine; 2 mils/l for synthetic pesticide) 10 % T. vogelii, 50 % rabbit urine, 10% T. vogelii + 50 % rabbit urine, water (control) and synthetic pesticide [Duduba 450 EC (Cypermethrin 100g/l. + chlorpyrifos 350g/l)], which was used as a check. The results show that sesame plants sprayed with biopesticide formulations significantly (p≤0.001) possessed a smaller number of insect pests (Antigastra catalaunalis and Alocypha bimaculata) same as synthetic pesticide. The larger numbers of pollinators (Apis mellifera, Ornidia obesa and Diadegma semiclausum) and natural enemies (Tapinoma sessile and Coccinella undecimpunctata) was recorded in sesame plants sprayed with biopesticide formulations than those sprayed with synthetic pesticide. Conversely, the findings of this study revealed that plots treated with 10% T. vogelii + 50% rabbit urine produced the highest (740.59 kg/ha) sesame yield, while those in the control gave the lowest yield (672.78 kg/ha). Therefore, this study suggests that T. vogelii formulation with rabbit urine can be used by the resource poorly-endowed smallholder farmers as an alternative strategy to control sesame insect pests, while maintaining high yield and beneficial insects like pollinators.
Importance of bio-pesticides formulations in managing insect pests of sesame in Africa
(International Journal of Biosciences, 2022-02-27) Lekamoi, Upendo; Kusolwa, Paul; Mbega, Ernest
Sesame is an important oil seed crop worldwide. However, its production faces a number of challenges such as infestation by insect pests and diseases, use of unimproved seeds by farmers and drought. Among all, insect pest is considered the most serious challenge affecting sesame production particularly in the Africa region. The common insect pests affecting sesame production in African smallholder farmers are Myzus persicae, Aphis gossypii, Bemisia tabaci, Antigastra catalaunalis, Orosius albicinctus, Tetranychus urticae, Spodoptera frugiperda and Alocypha bimaculata. These insect pests infest sesame at different stages of growth posing immense damage resulting into huge loss of yields. To control these insect pests most African smallholder farmers, use synthetic pesticides. However, most of those synthetic pesticides used cause environmental pollution and detriment effects to pollinators and natural enemies. Therefore, this paper reviews sesame insect pests and how they can be managed using bio-pesticides in African..
Sustainable insect pest management for cabbage production in Sub-Saharan Africa: Challenges, organic alternatives and climate change impacts
(Elsevier, 2025-10) Lekamoi, Upendo; Mashamba, Philipo; Laizer, Hudson; Mpumi, Nelson; Mbega, Ernest
Cabbage (Brassica oleracea) is an important vegetable crop in Sub-Saharan Africa contributing significantly to household food security and economic stability. Despite this importance, cabbage production has been declining due to several challenges including insect pest infestations which are intensified by climate change. In response, farmers predominantly rely on synthetic insecticides which have raise concerns on environmental degradation and human health risks. As an alternative, organic insecticides derived from animal byproducts, plants and microbes offer a more sustainable approach to insect pest management under changing climatic conditions. These organic insecticides not only mitigate the negative effects of synthetic chemicals but also enhance environmental and human health safety. This review explores the role of organic insecticides in sustainable cabbage production, discussing their efficacy, impact on insect pest life cycles and adaptability to climate change. Additionally, it highlights the top ten cabbage-producing countries in Sub-Saharan Africa, major insect pests affecting cabbage, insect pest management strategies and the influence of climate change on the bioactive compounds of organic insecticides. By integrating organic pest control measures, cabbage farmers in Sub-Saharan Africa can enhance resilience against climate-induced pest challenges while promoting sustainable agricultural practices.