Tephrosia is effective at controlling mole rats
Under ground rats feed on the roots and lower stems of many crop types including sweet potatoes and cassava. This leads to death of plants there by causing to low yields which affects farmers. They are among the most destructive pests to these crops as they can affect the whole garden.
To control mole rats effectively, plant scattered plants of tephrosia in
the garden and as a boarder around the whole garden.
The Leaves and roots of this tree contain a toxic compound called rotenone, which when eaten by rats can kill them. It also leads to death of many othe r insect types when eaten.
How ever after controlling the rats, remove the plant from the garden as it is dangerous to many other animals.
Also after removing it avoid planting beans and tomatoes because it spreads root note nematodes which mostly affect these 2 crop types. Plant such crops may be after 2 years.
By Mary Nakirya
Collecting and Exchange of Local Agricultural Content 