author(s)
Kari Iamba and Hamilton Masu

abstract
The push-pull strategy plays a vital role in management of pests in tropical agriculture. Extracts from two local plants, marigold (Tagetes erecta L.) and ginger (Zingiber officinale R.) were investigated for their potential to manage infestation of Cocoa pod borer (Conopomorpha cramerella S.). Bean weight under ginger extract in block 1 was relatively low (p<0.05, 65.13 ±6.65, σ =49.29) while highest in block 2 (p<0.05, 110.45±11.61, σ =73.41). Damage score under ginger extract in block 1 was relatively low (p<0.05, 1.49±0.19, σ =1.37). Control treatment produced the highest number of entry holes under block 2 (p<0.05, 8.38±0.73, σ =4.89). There was a positive correlation between bean damage and bean weight under ginger extract treatment (p<0.05, r= 0.42). Marigold extract produced non-significant results for all response variables (p>0.05). The findings from this study rectify that ginger (Z. officinale) extract was effective in managing C. cramerella infestation in cocoa (Theobroma cacao L.) through push strategy. Marigold (T. erecta) extract did not reduce the impact of C. cramerella therefore it was recommended for planting as intercrop rather than applying as extract.