An eco-friendly management approach is needed against major arthropod and nematode pests of three African indigenous vegetables—amaranth (Amaranthus spp.), leafy cowpea (Vigna unguiculata) and African nightshades (Solanum spp.). These vegetables are among the most important vegetables produced and traded in rural, peri-urban and urban markets for underprivileged groups (e.g. women, victims of HIV/AIDS, etc.) for income generation and improvement in food and nutrition security. Despite the increasing importance and demand for indigenous vegetables, the yield and quality of the crops remain far below their potential due to abiotic and biotic constraints, particularly pests and the diseases they spread.

Information on the bio-ecology of arthropod and nematode pests generated and the integrated pest management tools developed through this project will be used by extensionists, growers, private companies and the research community for management of major pests in amaranth, nightshades and leafy cowpea. This should lead to a reduction in the use of synthetic pesticides in vegetable production systems in Kenya and Tanzania, which, in turn, will enhance human and environmental health.