Zambia IPM project 03: Integrating cultural practices and biological control to control stem borers, Busseola fusca, Chilo partellus and Sesamia calamistis in maize.

 Project Duration: 5 years (2004 to 2009)

 Purpose of the project: 1) Feasibility study to integrate plant health management measures, based on understanding that certain strategies reduce stem borer infestation, 2) Sourcing effective natural enemies is an absolute strategy that is non costly to the farming communities, 3 Finding plants that have repellent properties to stem borers, at the same maintaining soil fertility to improve nutrient availability to maize.

 Background/Description: Stem borers cause considerable corn damage causing food insecurity in the country. Incidences of stem borers are experienced during vegetative stage until almost tasselling time. Natural enemies have been introduced in some parts of the country but at minimal active stage. It has been hypothesized that certain legume plants have some chemical emissions that repel stem borers in corn fields. Intercropping maize with Tephrosia vogelii reduces stem infestation but the level of protection as to what extent does the yield gets increased is yet to be established. These legume plants at the same time supply nitrogen to the soil, an important nutrient to the growth of the crop. Intercropping maize with T. vogelii alongside natural enemy introduction enhances stem borer control and management. Methods and design of the activity will be done in respect of the existing farming system in the country. Introducing Sunhemp, Cajanus cajan, as a green manure crop enhances crop vigour and in some cases emits fumes that may repel stem borers. Such activities should be targeted to areas where control strategies are beyond the reach of the small-scale farming communities.

 Agro-ecological zone and location: Savanna grass and woodlands of Luapula and Northern Zambia.

 Expected outputs: 1) Legume plants that possess characteristic repellent properties will be selected, 2) Moths will not oviposit onto the crop because of the chemical emissions of the plants, hence protecting the crop, 3) Soil performances will improve, as the legume plants will fix nitrogen through nodulation and biomass addition.

 Potential impact and beneficiaries: 1) Maize farmers will directly benefit as their yields will increase, household income and food security will be enhanced, 2) Soil fertility will improve, no chemicals added to destroy soil texture, 3) Fodder will not be contaminated, no direct cost to the farmer, in terms inorganic pesticide and environmental safety will be guaranteed.

 Partners: University of Zambia (School of Agriculture), Kasama Farmers Union, National Institute for Scientific and Industrial Research (NISIR), Zambia Agricultural research Institute (ZARI),

 Development investor(s): Zambian Government, CIAT, SIDA

 Project contact person(s)/principal inventors: C. Malambo, misamfu@zamtel.zm, Misamfu Regional Research Centre, P.O. Box 410055, Kasama