Research Problem
Manual inspection of the pests (Bactrocera dorsalis) in large mango farms to estimate the infestation levels is time-consuming and labor-intensive. To encounter the problem, automated traps are deployed, however, these traps face challenges in monitoring due to the small size of the flies, the traps tendency to accumulate a high density of insects, complex background and physical structure of the trap itself.
Findings
- Improved mango fruit protection due to timely and efficient interventions of the pests.
- Reduced usage of pesticides in the farm (estimated to 50 %).
- Early detection of the pest infestation that leads to better understanding of the pest behaviors.
Impact
- Increased mango fruit protection, that has direct impact on food security.
- Development of predictive models for the pest distribution dynamics that produce valuable information for mango farmers, researchers, and policymakers in the pest management.
Research Credits
- Team: Florence Lello, Dr. Mussa A. Dida, Dr. Mbazingwa Mkiramweni, Dr. Martin John, Dr. Elizabeth Mkoba, Dr. Roseline Akol, Hossea Kimaro, Michael Solli
- Industrial Collaborators: TARI, AMAGRO
- Funders: AdEMNEA-NORHED II project QZA-21/0159
- Participating Institutions: DIT, NTNU-Norway, Makerere university, NM-AIST, SUA.
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