INTEGRATION OF AGRONET TECHNOLOGY TO MANAGE OF PESTS AND POLLINATION OF SWEET MELON (CUCUMIS MELO LINNAEUS.) IN KENYA SAMUEL NYANGISERA MACHUKI A56/74/241/2012

Introduction. The sweet melon (Cucumis melo L.) is an annual, prostrate herb believed to have its origin in Africa (Paris et al, 2012). Worldwide, China leads in sweet melon production with about 400,000 ha Africa grows it in 110,000 ha, Cameroon in 3500 ha while Sudan does the same in 1200 ha ( Grubben, 2004 ). Pest attacks are common in sweet melon production and they usually lead to low quantity and quality of the final fruit either through direct injury or by being vectors of diseases (Malais, 2003 ). Aphids, Thrips, Leaf miner, whiteflies, Melon flies

Problem statement The presence of insect pests in the sweet melon has various problems include direct injury to the crop as well as acting as insect vectors to diseases, both of which can lead to aesthetic and economic losses (Malais, 2003). use of insecticidal sprays tends to kill or repel both the pests and the natural pollinator. In Malaysia, farmers have managed to control pests by growing the sweet melon in the greenhouse where the environment is manipulated for maximum production (Ghazali et al, 2008). In Benin, farmers have managed to successfully use agro-nets to screen against major insect pests of the cabbage grown mainly in outdoor field. (Martin et al, 2007). While the idea of using agro-nets is cost effective and sustainable, it poses a challenge of screening out both pest and pollinator which might give undesired end results.

Justification The sweet melon has the potential to improve the economic status of the small scale farmers KES 30/kg (HCDA 2008). Hand pollination can be ineffective because it requires careful timing to ensure that pollen is mature and stigma is receptive. Insect pollination is not always possible because of the frequent chemical interventions which have to be done especially with insecticides. The agro-nets provide an efficient, affordable way of managing both pests and pollinators sweet melon. Agro nets also increase carbon dioxide availability to the crop as well as improve moisture retention (Cockshul, 1992).

Broad objective. To increase sweet melon production and fruit quality in Kenya by reducing the losses brought about by pests infestation while utilizing insect pollination.

Specific objective. To measure the efficacy of agro-nets in an IPM system to manage pests of the sweet melon. To determine the importance of bees pollination inn sweet melon productions. To determine the effects of pest management on melon pollination efficiency.

Hypothesis. Integration of agro-nets in sweet melon improves management of pests and pollinators. Bees are important in pollination of sweet melon. Pest management improves pollination efficiency in sweet melon.

Design PEST TRIAL MAIN PLOT- Treated net(0.9), UTN 0.9, UTN0.4, NN PEST TRIAL SUB-PLOT- Seed Dress, Monitored Pesticide, No Pesticide, Seed dress. POLLINATION TRIAL MAIN PLOT: Open after Daily, 3Days, 5Days, 2 Days, 4 Days. POLLINATION TRIAL SUB-PLOTS: Not open pen 6 a.m-6p.m, open 6a.m-10a.m,open 2 p.m-6 p.m, open 10a.m-2 p.m

Data collection Pest infestation Pollination data. Yield data Quality data

Data analysis All collected data shall be analyzed to determine the efficacy of agro-nets in management of both pests and pollinators in sweet melon. Means will be compared using Fisher’s test 95% confidence level

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