Zambia IPM project 02: Integrated control of Bean stem maggot (Ophyiomia spp) in Zambia

Project duration: 5 years (2004 to 2009)

Purpose of the project: 1) Establishment of biospecies of the bean stem maggot to reduce population density of pest and 2) also breed for tolerant varieties and/or introduce resistant genes into the existing ones through radiation.

Background/Description: The bean stem maggot, Ophyiomia, has been observed to be attacking local genotypes of beans in the savanna highlands of northern Zambia and observations during cultivation period has been that population densities of the pest increase tremendously as the season progresses (mid December to late February) of each year. As the pest is host specific, it is imperative that natural enemies are sourced to reduce BSM population during critical times. It is also important to search for leguminous plants that are hosts to BSM to incorporate into farming systems so that serious damage can be avoided during peak times. The activity would require extensive search for leguminous that are found in the country. This will entail collection of the available legume plants and grow in the screen house alongside common beans. In Tanzania, other cultural practices were assessed to find a suitable strategy that reduces and minimizes BSM density. As far as is known, literature has not established any information on the available natural enemies of BSM. It would be also imperative that such an activity be carried out in the screen house.

Agro-ecological zone and location: Savanna highlands of Northern Zambia

Expected outputs: Legume plants suspected to be host plants will be grown in the screen house at Misamfu, 2) Collection of potential natural enemies is tested in the screen house for their suitability.

Potential impact and beneficiaries: Small-scale and emerging farmers will benefit in that yield will increase as a result of reduction population density

Partners: FLIP, Zambia, CIAT

Development investor(s): CIAT, Zambian Government

 Project contact person(s)/principal inventors: K. Kanenga, A. Chalabesa, F. Sohati, nlccp@zamtel.zm or mtmakulu@zamnet.zm) Mt Makulu Central Research Station, P. O. Box 7, Chilanga, Zambia