Haricot beans are the most important food and cash crop for most of the Ethiopian farmers. However, bean stem maggot (BSM) (Ophiomyia species) is limiting the production of the crop particularly in dry areas. Three species are involved in the infestation: Ophiomyia phaseoli, Ophiomyia spencerlla and Ophiomyia centrosematis. Two decades ago, two management options of BSM were developed and used for the last twenty years. However, there is a tendency of decline in effectiveness. Hence, the current experiment was conducted to see the age effect on the efficacy of BSM resistant varieties (Beshbesh and Melkae) and high bean plant population density (400,000 plants ha Test (p<0.05). In all parameters measured, Melkae bean variety become susceptible to BSM and cannot be used any more as a resistant variety. From the result of the experiment, it can be concluded that Beshebeshe bean variety, high plant population and Imdalem seed dressing can be used as integrated management of BSM in Ethiopia in general and study sites in particular.

No abstract

No abstract

The use of chemical pesticide in Ethiopian agriculture has a steady historically growth and strongly associated with the need to boost crop production and expansion in a high-input floriculture industry. An increased crop production and productivity is mainly dependent on effective and efficient pest management strategies. Recently, achieving these strategic goals of the sector seems to be impossible without intensive use of synthetic pesticides. Unfortunately, the chemical-based option of pest management was not able to deliver only the positively intended purpose of managing pests. It has raised a potential menace not only to public health and the environment but also to the fast-growing economy of the country. The main objective of this review was to highlight the negative health and environmental impacts of agricultural pesticides in Ethiopia. Literature based comprehensive review was made with the intention to influence stake holders in the sector to recognize the negative impact of agricultural pesticides to help them to devise a mitigating strategy and finally the authors tried to indicate solutions on this regard. Health conditions such as dizziness, nausea, skin and eye irritations, headache, vomiting and general discomfort after spraying are some of the self-reported direct health problems. Other chronic non-reported health problems/deaths were also associated with misuse (handling and disposal) of pesticides. Mismanagement of pesticides kills important organisms and are damaging to the biodiversity. Moreover, an intensive, non-responsible use of pesticides has increased the cost of pest management, accelerated the development of new pests and/or resistant strains (races) of pests and negatively affected the international trade of farm produces. Lack of awareness (poor pesticide management, disposal; and limited use of complete PPEs), obsolete pesticide stocks, prolonged storage, poor storage facilities, the lack of trained staff and national legislation for pesticide registration and monitoring system in the country are the main reasons associated with pesticide risks. Harmonized agriculture development policy, capacity building, organic farming, IPM compatible pesticides and gender-sensitive education will change the risk of agricultural pesticides.