Promotion of sustainable approaches for the management of root-knot nematodes on vegetables in Kenya. Final Technical Report

Abstract

The project aimed to verify and promote sustainable approaches to the management of root-knot nematodes (Meloidogyne spp.) through the use of micro-organisms, cultural techniques and plant resistance. Through research participation smallholders have been acquainted with the production constraint and of potential ways of its allieviation. The novelty has been the inclusion of the naturally occurring biological control organisms within the cropping system preferred by (or acceptable to) the farmers. This will become an accepted practice when the national regulatory authority approves the use of “biopesticides”, when organisations have the capability to mass produce these products at an acceptable price and when there are appropriate channels to deliver them to the smallholder grower community. Progress has been achieved with each of these stages ensuring the long term benefit to all sectors of the Kenyan vegetable producing community