This archive report was first published on 12 May 2020.
Kenya is on the cusp of a breakthrough in the fight against maize pests, thanks to the discovery of two new insect species. The species, Cotesia Icipe and Cotesia typhae, were discovered after years of research by the International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology (Icipe) and the French National Research Institute for Sustainable Development (IRD).
According to a study published on April 29, 2020 by the Conversation.com, these new insects are expected to offer a solution to the problem of fall armyworms and stem-borers, which have dealt a significant blow to food security in the region.
The researchers are optimistic that these insects can provide a biological control method that is both environmentally safe and economically sound. In fact, Cotesia Icipe has already shown to be effective in eradicating fall armyworms, while Cotesia typhae has been discovered to be capable of eliminating stem borers.
The next step is to conduct feasibility studies on introducing these insects into their new environments, with the aim of implementing them as a control method for maize pests. This could potentially reduce the reliance on chemicals to fight these pests, providing a more sustainable solution for farmers.
