Progresses in lowland pulse insect pest management in Ethiopia

Grain legumes are one of the important cash crops for Ethiopian smallholder farmers and a significant agricultural commodity contributing to export earnings. Lowland pulses are comparatively inexpensive sources of protein in Ethiopia. However, these economically important crops are affected by various pests. Among the most damaging in storage are bruchids (Acanthoscelides obtectus, Zabrotes subfasciatus, and Callosobruchus spp.), while in production fields, the primary pests include the bean stem maggot (Ophiomyia spp.), African bollworm (Helicoverpa armigera), and aphids (Aphis craccivora Koch). Estimated yield losses due to bean stem maggot and African bollworm range from 11-100% and 12-16%, respectively. Various pest control strategies have been employed, including the use of resistant varieties, biological control, botanical treatments, and chemical control. This review summarizes relevant scientific studies on these economically important crops, the associated insect pests, the aggravating factors in Ethiopia, and available management options.