Emerging Challenges of Insect Pests in Some Horticultural Crops of Ethiopia.

Abstract

For developing countries like Ethiopia, Agriculture is the center of sustainable development contributing the highest share of their national GDP and food requirements. By recognizing the significance of agriculture and its diversification for Ethiopian economy, growing attention has been given to improve the horticulture sector. Beside their important role in securing income generation, nutrition requirement, ecological balance and employment opportunities, some horticultural crops are currently under the risk of invasive insect pests highly hindering their production and productivity. Out of numerous invasive crop pests in Ethiopia, this paper attempts to analyze the history, distribution and economic importance of about four pests (among which three are the insects) that are hardly affecting the production of some mostly important horticultural crops since the last decade. White mango scale on Mango fruit since 2010; Tomato leaf miner on tomato crop since 2012; two spotted spider mites on potato crop since 2014 and African citrus psyllid on white sapote plant since 2018 are discussed. For proper understanding and relevant identification, the biology of each insect (pest) has been explained after accessing established literatures. Moreover, potential management options used in different parts of the world as well as in Ethiopia after its invasion for each pest has been discussed so that sustainable management strategies can be developed. There is no doubt that the paper provides highlight about the urgency of each pest and create awareness among responsible stake holders so that equal consideration is given for sustainably managing it to increase the productivity of each crop.