IITA IPM project 19: Development and implementation of a biological control program for the coconut mite in sub-Saharan Africa

Duration: 3 years (2004 to 2006)

Purpose: To develop a sustainable biological control program for coconut mite in Africa.

Background and description: The coconut mite, Aceria guerreronis Keifer, is one of the most economically important of coconut in the Americas, Africa and India. This mite most likely existed on some unknown flora in South and Central America where it shifted to coconut when this crop was introduced into the Americas. The mite is now found throughout tropical and subtropical regions of the Americas and Africa. Losses in Central America and Africa have been estimated to be up to 30%, and up to 60% in India. The three-year program seeks to develop, test and adapt a sustainable strategy for the control of coconut mite in Africa. Strategic research thrusts will cover the identification and biological and ecological characterization of effective natural enemies. In a phased approach, the project will introduce promising natural enemies into Benin and Tanzania, while continuing the search for additional natural enemies in Brazil and other parts of the Americas. The proposed project has the following four specific objectives: (i) to conduct diagnostic surveys in northeastern Brazil, Benin and Tanzania to determine the distribution and abundance of the coconut mite and identity, abundance and distribution of associated natural enemies on coconut and potential host plants; (ii) to conduct laboratory and field studies to compare the biological characteristics of potential natural enemies, and to assess their potential impact on coconut mite populations; (iii) to introduce and release in Benin and Tanzania the most promising natural enemies; (iv) to conduct surveys and field experiments to determine the establishment, spread and impact of introduced natural enemies on coconut mite populations in Benin and Tanzania.

Agroecozone(s) and location(s): Costal areas of Benin and Tanzania, and northeastern Brazil

Expected outputs: The most tangible output of the project will be in reduced coconut losses due to coconut mite damage bringing enhanced food security, improved incomes and strengthened marginal ecosystems, which will also be beneficial to neighbouring countries. The increased capacity for classical biological control acquired by national programs could be applied in tackling similar crop pest problems in the future. While many outputs will emerge in the current three-year phase of the project, it is also envisaged that some of the most promising results of the project will become apparent in a subsequent phase, if possible.

Potential impact and beneficiaries: Farmers and coconut users will benefit from increased coconut yield and quality. In addition, NARS in participating countries will benefit from increased capacity in biological control, and students will receive the PhD from BOKU

Partners: a) NARS in Mozambique, Democratic Republic of Congo, Cameroon, Benin, Malawi, Zambia, Kenya and Tanzania; b) IFAD Investment projects: Benin, Ghana, and Cameroon root and tuber improvement programs; c) University of Basle – Switzerland; d) University of Massachusetts – USA; e) Wageningen University – Netherlands; f) University of Amsterdam – Netherlands; g) University of Toulouse – France; h) University of Yaoundé – Cameroon; i) University of Douala – Cameroon; j) University of Dschang - Cameroon

Development investor(s): Government of Austria

IITA contact person(s)/principal investigator(s): Rachid Hanna R.Hanna@cgiar.org website http://www.iita.org