Push-pull technology
Push-pull technology is an innovative, ecological approach to managing pests and weeds in cereal crops, particularly maize and sorghum.
It involves the use of companion plants to manipulate the behavior of insect pests and attract beneficial insects, thereby reducing pest damage and improving crop yields.
Similar terms: intercropping, companion planting, habitat management, ecological pest management, integrated pest management, agroecological intensification, sustainable agriculture, low-input agriculture, biological control
So, what exactly is Push-pull technology?
Push-pull technology is a strategy that combines two types of companion plants in a cereal cropping system: “push” plants and “pull” plants.
The “push” plants, such as Desmodium spp. (silverleaf or greenleaf desmodium), are intercropped with the main cereal crop and emit volatile chemicals that repel or deter insect pests like stemborers. The “pull” plants, such as Napier grass (Pennisetum purpureum) or Brachiaria spp., are planted around the perimeter of the field and release chemicals that attract the pests away from the main crop.
This combination of repellent and attractive stimuli effectively manages pest populations, while also providing additional benefits such as soil improvement, weed suppression, and fodder production.
Importance of Push-pull technology in Kenyan Agriculture
Push-pull technology is particularly important for smallholder farmers in Kenya who face significant challenges from insect pests, particularly stemborers and fall armyworms, and the parasitic weed Striga (Striga hermonthica).
These pests can cause substantial yield losses in maize and sorghum, which are staple food crops in Kenya. By adopting push-pull technology, Kenyan farmers can effectively manage these pests without relying on expensive and potentially harmful pesticides. Push-pull also provides additional benefits, such as improving soil fertility, reducing soil erosion, and providing high-quality fodder for livestock.
This technology has been widely adopted in western Kenya and has contributed to improved food security, income generation, and environmental sustainability.
Components of Push-pull technology
Push-pull technology consists of four main components:
- Main crop: The cereal crop, such as maize or sorghum, is the primary focus of the push-pull system.
- Push crop: Desmodium spp. (silverleaf or greenleaf desmodium) are intercropped with the main crop. They emit volatile chemicals that repel or deter insect pests and also suppress the growth of Striga through allelopathic effects.
- Pull crop: Napier grass or Brachiaria spp. are planted around the perimeter of the field. They release chemicals that attract insect pests away from the main crop and also provide high-quality fodder for livestock.
- Beneficial insects: The push-pull system attracts natural enemies of the pests, such as parasitic wasps, which help control pest populations.
Benefits of Push-pull technology in Kenyan Agriculture
Adopting push-pull technology in Kenyan agriculture offers several benefits:
- Pest management: Push-pull effectively controls stemborers, fall armyworms, and other insect pests in maize and sorghum, reducing yield losses.
- Striga control: Desmodium spp. suppress the growth of the parasitic weed Striga through allelopathic effects, improving crop yields.
- Soil improvement: Desmodium spp. are legumes that fix atmospheric nitrogen and improve soil fertility. They also help reduce soil erosion and conserve soil moisture.
- Fodder production: Napier grass and Brachiaria spp. provide high-quality fodder for livestock, contributing to improved animal health and productivity.
- Biodiversity conservation: Push-pull technology promotes the conservation of beneficial insects and other natural enemies of pests, enhancing biodiversity in the agroecosystem.
- Climate change adaptation: Push-pull systems are more resilient to climate variability and change, as the companion plants help buffer the main crop against drought and other stresses.
Challenges in Implementing Push-pull technology in Kenya
Despite the benefits, the adoption of push-pull technology in Kenya faces several challenges:
- Knowledge and skill gaps: Many farmers lack awareness and understanding of the push-pull concept and its implementation.
- Availability of seeds: The availability and accessibility of seeds for the companion plants, particularly Desmodium spp., can be limited.
