Kenya, Netherlands collaborate to combat False Codling Moth in flowers

KENYA – In an effort to safeguard Kenya’s export market in Europe, the Kenyan government has joined forces with the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands to tackle the growing threat posed by the False Codling Moth (FCM).

This joint initiative, named the Market Access Project, aims to address the rising interceptions of Kenyan roses at European ports due to FCM infestations.

On 8th July 2024, Bart Pauwels, Agricultural Counsellor for Kenya and Tanzania at the Dutch Embassy, met with Dr. Paul Ronoh, Principal Secretary of the State Department for Agriculture, to discuss strategies for combating the pest.

Interceptions of Kenyan rose shipments at European entry points have surged from 10% to 25% in recent years due to the FCM’s presence, threatening Kenya’s competitiveness in the European market.

The False Codling Moth (Thaumatotibia leucotreta) is a highly destructive pest affecting various crops, including flowers, citrus, and avocados.

The moth’s larvae burrow into flower buds and petals, causing direct damage to ornamental flowers like roses. This leads to deformed flowers and reduces their aesthetic value, making them less marketable.

The economic consequences are severe, particularly for the Kenyan floriculture industry, which relies heavily on exports to European Union (EU) markets.

The FCM poses a significant phytosanitary concern for Kenyan flower growers. It is the leading cause of interceptions in cut flower exports to the EU, where strict plant health standards must be met.

In 2019, over 30 interceptions of Kenyan roses were reported by the Dutch National Plant Protection Organisation (NPPO) and the European Union. As a result, the European Commission considered raising the percentage of plant health import inspections for Kenyan and Ethiopian flowers from 10% to 25%.

The impact of the False Codling Moth extends beyond flower quality. According to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), crop yield losses due to FCM infestations can be as high as 20%.

This is particularly troubling for regions like Sub-Saharan Africa, where agriculture plays a crucial role in local economies. Additionally, the presence of an established FCM population often leads to increased pesticide usage, as farmers seek to manage the pest and prevent further crop losses.

Jane Ngige, CEO of the Kenya Flower Council (KFC), explained the gravity of the situation. “The False Codling Moth is not only affecting flower quality but also threatening our position in key markets. We are working closely with our partners to address this issue and maintain our standards,” she said.

In response to the FCM threat, the Kenya Flower Council (KFC) has taken the lead in coordinating efforts between local stakeholders and international partners.

KFC works alongside the Pest Control Products Board (PCPB) to expedite the approval of pesticides that specifically target FCM.

They also collaborate with the Kenya Plant Health Inspectorate Service (KEPHIS) to ensure compliance with international phytosanitary standards.

“The partnership with the Netherlands is critical to improving our pest control measures and keeping Kenya’s exports viable,” said Ngige.

The Dutch government, through its agricultural team, is offering technical and financial support to Kenya’s efforts, providing training for farmers on pest management and ensuring that export consignments meet EU requirements.