**6. Conclusion**

ethanolic extracts against the larger grain borer, *Prostephanus truncates* (Horn) in maize grains. A reduction of the borer population in maize was observed. Interestingly, pesticides commonly used in agriculture were detected in honey and propolis samples (Lucia et al,

Recently bee propolis extracts have been reported to have acaricidal effect on red spider mites (*Tetranychus spp*.), which attack tomatoes, (Kareru and Wamaitha, 2012, unpublish‐

**Figure 9.** The four stages of a red spider mite life cycle (egg, larva, nymph and adult). Source: http://www.bio-

Tomato is a vegetable crop grown worldwide and its selection and preference as a crop is due to its nutritional value and economic importance. Crop production losses to pests are estimated to exceed 35% annually. Red spider mites (*Tetranychus* species) are polyphagous, parenchyma cell feeding pests and have a serious economic impact on many crops, especial‐ ly tomatoes. Synthetic pesticides used for control of red spider mites end up in the environ‐ ment where they may affect non-target species, have adverse effects on wildlife, pollute soil and water and in addition are usually very expensive and beyond the reach of resource of

Compounds present in propolis can provide potential alternative in the place of currently used insect pest control agents because they constitute a rich source of bioactive chemicals and may act in many way on various types of pest complex. They also have no or little harmful effects on non target organisms such as pollinators, natural enemies and are biode‐

Both ethanolic and ethyl acetate extracts of bee propolis acted on red spider mites in a con‐ centration and time dependent manner. The activity of ethanolic extracts at concentrations

2011) in Uruguay.

304 Insecticides - Development of Safer and More Effective Technologies

ed work).

bee.com

poor African farmers.

gradable.

While development of safer insecticides is a noble idea in Africa, safety concerns are par‐ amount. Widespread misuse of pesticides, some of which are banned, affects farmers' health with fatal consequences. Due to ignorance on their part, farmers may keep pesti‐ cides near food stores where seepage of food is inevitable; over-spray food crops, inhala‐ tion and skin contact while in use, have adverse effects to their health. And although an alternative to pesticides use could be achieved through organic farming and integrated pest management practices, the future lies in investing in technology which will afford safe application of insecticides.
