Browsing by Author "Brewah, Paul Borbor"

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    Incidence, Severity, and Species Distribution of Fruit Flies in Relation to Agroecological and Environmental Factors in Sierra Leone
    (2026-10-02) Brewah, Paul Borbor
    Fruit flies (Diptera: Tephritidae) are major constraints to tropical fruit production, threatening food security and export markets. However, empirical data on their diversity and infestation dynamics in Sierra Leone’s mango systems remain limited. This study assessed fruit fly incidence, severity, and species composition across agroecological zones to inform integrated pest management (IPM) and phytosanitary strategies. Field surveys were conducted from June to December in eight mango orchards across Moyamba, Tonkolili, and Koinadugu districts. Populations were monitored weekly using McPhail traps baited with methyl eugenol, cue lure, trimedlure, and terpinyl acetate. Specimens were identified morphologically, while infestation severity was quantified as flies-per-trap-per-day (FTD). Diversity indices (Shannon-Wiener, Simpson, and Pielou’s evenness) and statistical models (ANOVA, GLMM) were applied to evaluate spatial, temporal, and phenological effects.The results revealed that atotal of 5,947 flies were recorded, dominated by Bactrocera dorsalis (74.5%), followed by Zeugodacus cucurbitae (15.1%), with Ceratitis spp. occurring at lower frequencies. Tonkolili exhibited the highest abundance and diversity (H′ = 1.45), whereas Moyamba showed reduced diversity (H′ = 0.40). Methyl eugenol was the most effective attractant (χ² = 89.34, p < 0.001). Fruit fly populations varied significantly with season and crop phenology, peaking during the vegetative stage and in October (incidence 12.4%; severity index 9.23 ± 0.89), before declining toward December. The findings identify B. dorsalis as the dominant pest, with infestation patterns shaped by agroecological conditions, lure efficacy, and phenology. Targeted deployment of methyl eugenol traps, coupled with seasonal surveillance and strengthened phytosanitary practices, is recommended to enhance sustainable fruit fly management in Sierra Leone.
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    Perceptions of Sierra Leonean Mango Farmers on the Pest Status and Current Management Practices for the Control of Fruit Fly in Sierra Leone
    (Scientific Research Publishing, 2024-12-10) Brewah, Paul Borbor
    Tephritid fruit flies are considered one of the world’s most notorious pests of horticultural crops, including mango (Mangefera indica L.) in Sierra Leone, causing extensive direct and indirect damage. A survey was conducted among 60 mango farmers in 7 districts in Sierra Leone between June and August, 2022, to assess their perceptions regarding fruit fly pest status and the current management options adopted for the control of this pest. Semi-structured questions designed in an open and closed-ended fashion were used for the study. The majority (83%) of the farmers were already aware of the fruit fly problem in the country with 62% perceiving it to be very severe. The majority (60%) of farmers, however, demonstrated poor knowledge of identifying fruit fly species, especially Bactrocera dorsalis, Ceratitis capitata, and Ceratitis cosyra. Farmers were more conversant about the direct damage symptoms to host fruits and the economic impact of fruit flies. A total of 32% of growers took no action to control fruit flies on their farms. Sixty-nine percent (69%) of the farmers adopted cultural control measures, like practicing prompt harvesting, collection and disposal of infested fruits, and weeding to maintain better sanitary conditions on their farms. Recommended fruit fly management strategies such as the use of botanicals and resistant varieties were either unknown or inaccessible to growers. A total of 52% applied chemicals that were not recommended for the control of fruit flies without considering their environmental and health risks. It is important to train fruit growers to improve their capabilities for fruit fly management through extension agents that are appropriate for helping them acquire basic knowledge of fruit fly pests and their management.