Integrated pest management for beans and gherkins in Madagascar

Integrated pest management for beans and gherkins in Madagascar

COLEAD is working with an exporting company based in Madagascar that is experiencing a drop in yields of green beans and gherkins due to heavy nematode pressure. This problem is since the same crops have been grown for several consecutive seasons without rotation or fallow periods, leading to a deterioration in soil quality. The company has begun to explore solutions, such as crop rotation with cover crops, which have shown some improvement. However, the technical team did not have the resources to identify the nematode species impacting on yield. In fact, visual observations of the roots are not enough, and more detailed laboratory analyses are needed to validate suitable integrated control techniques.

COLEAD offered to assist the company through the FFM+ programme by validating Integrated Pest Management (IPM) strategies. A partnership was established with the Laboratoire des Radioisotopes (LRI) in Antananarivo to supervise the field trials and carry out the laboratory analyses. The COLEAD technical team identified suitable biopesticides and worked with manufacturers to obtain test samples. Field activities started in February 2024 at the company’s premises and are expected to continue until October 2024.

The aim is to operationalise integrated pest management strategies by validating technical and economic feasibility through field pilots. These pilots will also act as demonstrators, promoting best practice. Collaboration with the LRI ensures scientific validation and robustness of data under real-life conditions. The approach includes assessment of soil nematode populations (species and numbers) before, during and after the trials through laboratory analysis. The nematode control methods tested include biopesticides (azadirachtin, Paecilomyces lilacinus, Trichoderma asperellum and garlic extract) and rotation with a cover crop (marigold – Tagetes sp.).

This example illustrates COLEAD’s commitment to addressing the production challenges faced by growers, particularly in ACP countries, through in-depth research and practical solutions adapted to local contexts. The results of this trial will be shared to provide further sustainable options for managing this pest.

This activity is supported by the Fit For Market Plus (FFM+) programme, implemented by COLEAD within the Framework of Development Cooperation between the Organisation of African, Caribbean and Pacific States (OACPS) and the European Union. This publication receives financial support from the European Union and the OACPS. The content of this publication is the sole responsibility of COLEAD and can in no way be taken to reflect the views of the European Union or the OACPS.