Onen during a lab session.

HOPE is the word Fruit farmers will welcome with open arms as regards to maximising their harvest season. Fruit flies (Diptera: Tephtritidae) are one of the most important insect pests attacking fruits worldwide. In Uganda, fruit flies have inflicted considerable yield losses (Mangiferaindica L)

According to a recent survey on “Fruit Fly Infestation by C.M. Nankinga and B.E. Isabirye,” the high fruit fly infestation observed in different agro-ecological zones led to high economic losses in fruit production reported   by   the   mango   farming communities. The fruit fly losses threaten the country’s potential income and employment opportunities that would be derived through locally produced fruits and vegetables. http://journal.naro.go.ug/index.php/uja s/article/view/368/322

Onen Denish Oyaro, another Masters student sponsored by AdEMNEA Project and based at the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES) doing masters of science in crop science examines the Genetic Diversity and Insecticide Resistance of Fruit Flies in selected Mango Growing Agro-Ecological Zones (AEZs) of Uganda.

Onen Conducts PCR Tests.

Onen aims to contribute to the management of fruit flies by obtaining information on fruit flies’ genetic diversity and resistance to synthetic insecticides commonly used by the mango farmers. “I have completed field work and data collection from several districts of Uganda namely; Luwero, Nakaseke, Mpigi, Wakiso, Gulu and Nwoya.” He stated.

The Bug-hunter also revealed that lab work including DNA extraction has been done in order to identify the various fruit fly species available in the Agro-Ecological Zones.   

“The study will assist entomologists in classification and identification of Fruit Flies and hence facilitate Scientific Advisory to Fruit Farmers and Horticulture as a sector.” Onen added.

According to Dr. Deborah Amulen, a PhD researcher in Applied Biological Sciences says Onen’s study is very important in understanding what species of fruit flies affect farmers’ crops and why insecticides are failing.

“We hope to develop local alternatives for the growing fruit industry in Uganda.  This scholarship has also exposed Onen to molecular skills which will support his future career growth.” She confirmed.