It is the dream of every farmer to export their produce for higher returns. However, many face phytosanitary and technical challenges that lead to rejection of their produce by exporters.
For some time now, Kenya Plant Health Inspectorate Services (Kephis) has been sensitising farmers on what is needed in the export market. James Wahome, General Manager, Phytosanitary Services at Kephis spoke of one pest, False Codling Moth (Thaumatotibia leucotreta) that can stop farmers from exporting their produce.
False codling moth (FCM) hit flowers by close to 10% which led to some interceptions in the market, tainting the image of the country. KEPHIS have urged all growers to adopt more traps to ensure mass trappings of pests which are climate oriented. The players in the industry resolved to involve IPMs manufacturing companies when dealing with specific markets that are sensitive to various pests.
This is a major pest, because the larvae of the moth feeds on a wide range of rose varieties. Lately it is also becoming an issue in in gypsophilla. The brown insect originated from Sub- Saharan Africa, but has also been detected in Europe and US. It thrives under warm and humid conditions and can produce up to five generations annually.