Yard-long bean (Vigna unguiculata subsp. sesquipedalis) and leafy brassicas such as Chinese cabbage (Brassica rapa var. pekinensis), pak-choi (B. rapa var. chinensis), choisum (B. rapa var. parachinensis) and Chinese kale (B. oleracea var. alboglabra) are among the most important vegetables in the target countries, grown on more than 130,000 ha. Yard-long bean and leafy brassicas contribute protein, vitamins, minerals and dietary fiber to diets. In addition to nutrition, these crops also have the potential to lift farmers out of poverty due to their high market value. However, their productivity is limited, mainly due to insect pests and plant diseases.

To control pests, farmers rely on a wide range of chemical pesticides and frequently misuse these products.

The project aims to develop and evaluate sustainable pest and plant disease control measures (use of pheromones, kairomones, parasitoids, bio-pesticides, resistant varieties and cultural practices). Disease-resistant varieties form the core of any IPM strategy. When other IPM component technologies are combined with resistant varieties, the resistance remains effective longer in the field.

The easy-to-adopt IPM strategies will reduce over-dependence on pesticides, increase return on investment for farmers, and reduce health risks to farmers and adverse effects on the environment. Other actors in the vegetable value chain and consumers will benefit from increased availability of affordable leafy brassicas and yard-long bean with less pesticide residue.