The false codling moth ( FCM ) is causing serious problem for Kenya ’s rosaceous growers . This tiny pest threatens a $ 300 million industry and thousands of jobs . To stay in advance , cultivator require good ways to recognize result early and act fleetly . That is why PATS has team up up with 10 rose farm across the country to take a fresh approach : using saucy monitoring to better understand FCM , improve dominance strategies , and facilitate stakeholder direction .
A big challengeThe fictitious codling moth ( Thaumatotibia leucotreta ) position a grow scourge to Kenya ’s rosaceous sphere , as it is an invasive metal money in Europe . Approximately 70 % of Kenya ’s cutting flower exportation are destined for European markets , with roses contain about 66 % of these exports . Due to increase vigilance , review rate have surged from 5 % to 25 % , leading to dear interceptions , rejected shipments , and even temporary closures of greenhouses . In 2024 , at least 95 load were rejected , with an judge cost of $ 1 million . These developments place acute pressure on growers and exporter to better pest ascendancy and show compliance . To adjoin these demand , while also reducing reliance on interventions , the industry desperately needs a reliable , standardised organisation for gadfly monitoring and decision - making . Such a system must be tailored to the dynamics of FCM and support both optimized pest ascendance and efficient endangerment direction to align involved stakeholder .
A sign warning fo the risk of the False Codling Moth
A shew solutionBuilding on several yr of experience , PATS has launch a dedicated FCM monitoring undertaking in Kenya , with the support of various stakeholders . The goal of the project is to corroborate and raise the usage of PATS - C specifically for FCM direction in roses . This industry is a vital pillar of Kenya ’s economy , generating over $ 300 million in yearly rose exports and provide usage to more than 50,000 Kenyans . protect its wholeness and retentive - term viability is critical , not only for growers and exporters but for the communities and livelihoods that depend on it .
The FCM monitoring projectSince the scratch of 2025 , PATS has partner with 10 leading rose grower , include Bilashaka Flowers , Vegpro , Nini , and Van lair Berg Roses , to roll out PATS - C technology for targeted FCM monitoring . These farms are now continuously capturing high - resolving power data on moth flight activity , with the goal of good sympathize FCM moral force and confirm genuine - sentence pest direction .
The undertaking focuses on several key activities : continuous monitoring of adult FCM body process using PATS - C system across multiple greenhouse zones ; datum comparison and validation , matching PATS - C results with on - farm reconnoitring datum such as egg counts , adult sand trap captures , and seeable crop price to appraise accuracy and inform decision - devising ; and species distinction and identification fashion model improvement through integrated experiments that help refine the PATS - C louse visibility specifically for FCM .
This approach ensures the solvent is not only validated in Kenyan nursery conditions but also optimize to deliver actionable insight to growers working on blighter direction on a daily basis .
PATS - C set up at one of the participants
Two goal to digest growersThis project is set up to give birth value at two levels . first off , the scheme should offer growers with literal - time insights and a tool to better deal moth pests , measure interposition outcome , and indorse smarter , more sustainable IPM practices . second , it should ensue in a decision support system ( DSS ) specifically for FCM that help grower decide when to intensify mensuration or when to stop export from affected nursery , slim down the risk of interceptions and losses .
appear aheadThis projection will run for at least a year , with further exploitation depending on progress and user feedback . PATS ' goal is to establish a robust , affordable monitoring creature that patronize exact and seasonable pest control , cut ( chemical ) input , salutary risk management specifically for FCM , and full alignment with EU and Kenyan export standards .
Meet PATS at IFTEX Nairobi , June 3–5PATS will be exhibiting atIFTEX2025 in Nairobi at booth G3.01 . " squad will be happy to reply your head , part updates and explore collaboration toward an even more robust and sustainable industry . "
For more information : PATSDelftechpark 26 , 2628 XH , Delft , NLwww.pats-drones.com
Frontpage photo : © PATS
