Assessing yield loss due to fall armyworm (FAW) infestation in maize farming systems in sub-Saharan Africa: Kenya study case

Description of the topic

Relationship between foliar damage due to different levels of FAW infestation at different stages of maize crop growth (three stage: V5, V7 and R1) using different germplasm (OPVs, susceptibles and tolerant pre comercial hybrids) and grain yield loss assessed under controlled (net house with arytificial infestation) and natural conditions.

 

Objective

This study is to assess the relationship between foliar damage and cob damage due to FAW infestation at different stages of maize crop growth and grain yield loss

  

Work expectations

1. Determine the relationship between FAW artificial infestation, foliar damage, cob damage and maize grain yield loss

2. Determine the relationship between FAW natural infestation, foliar damage, cob damage and maize grain yield loss

3. One peer review publication documenting the relationship between FAW infestation and yield loss associated in maize farming system in Kenya.

 

Required skills

MSc student in Crop protection or entomology

Activities

  1. Determine the relationship between FAW infestation level, foliar damage and maize grain yield loss under controlled FAW infestation in net houses at Kiboko, Kenya. (June to November 2019)
  2. Determine the relationship between FAW infestation level, foliar damage and maize grain yield loss under natural FAW infestation at five different locations in Kenya namely Mwatpa Kiboko, Embu, Kakamega and Kitale (May to November 2019).
  3. Data analysis, thesis and publication write up (December 2019 to Mars 2020)