New study highlights positive impact of PlantwisePlus in Ghana on gender-inclusive agricultural extension services

Women farmer in Ghana Gender –a target of inclusive agricultural extension services.
A new study brief shares key findings on gender-inclusive agricultural extension services in Ghana by PlantwisePlus.
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Five yield-threatening pests and diseases of rice

A farmer planting rice seedlings
Pests and diseases of rice are a significant constraint in rice production, accounting for up to 30% of yield losses. Rice is cultivated in over 100 countries and is a staple food source for over half the world’s population. Therefore, the sustainable management of rice pests and diseases is essential if we are to feed…
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Trichogramma mass rearing facilities piloted in Pakistan

Championing sustainable agriculture by promoting lower-risk plant protection solutions to tackle crop health challenges is a key objective of CABI’s PlantwisePlus programme. In particular, the managing of plant pests and diseases. A cornerstone of this work is setting up local facilities for the mass rearing of lower-risk plant protection solutions. 
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Role of plant clinics in Nepal highlighted at 10th International Plant Protection Symposium

Vegetables in Nepal. Vegetable value chain. Value chain. CASA Programme 2022.
The important role plant clinics play to help smallholder farmers in Nepal grow more healthier and profitable crops free from pests and diseases has been highlighted at the 10th International Plant Protection Symposium.
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CABI study unearths important lessons for the fight against fall armyworm

A study by CABI contributes important knowledge on fall armyworm (Spodoptera frugiperda). CABI’s research findings suggests that employing more sustainable and environmentally friendly solutions could help mitigate the damaging impacts of the species.
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How plant doctor training supports smallholder farmers in Nepal

In Nepal, the International Development Enterprise (iDE) has introduced an approach to address the challenges smallholder farmers face in accessing agricultural inputs and advice. Known as Community Business Facilitators (CBFs), these individuals are local citizens trained to provide agricultural services within their communities. Some CBFs also train as plant doctors (CBF-PDs) through CABI’s PlantwisePlus programme,…
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Early pest warnings and IPM advice are improving food security for maize farmers in Ghana

Pest warnings are changing the way that smallholders in Ghana farm. Smallholder maize farmers in Ghana have long grappled with the challenges posed by crop pests. Over the past few years, this has included the notorious fall armyworm. This voracious invader has, in the past, led to significant crop losses. And the losses have impacted…
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Update: New Pest & Disease Records (06 November 2023)

strawberry plant
We’ve selected a few of the latest new geographic, host and species records for plant pests and diseases from CAB Abstracts. Records this month include the first report of Dolichothrips indicus in Colombia and the first report of a species of Neopestalotiopsis on strawberry in Canada.
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Kenyan farmer perceptions of biological control of papaya mealybug

The papaya mealybug problem in Kenya The invasive papaya mealybug (Paracoccus marginatus) is a devastating pest to many crops, with a host range of over 200 plants. The species was first detected in Africa in 2010 in Ghana and then in 2016 in Mombasa County in Kenya. In Kenya, where horticulture makes up 60% of…
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Biocontrol agent released to safeguard crops from parthenium weed in Pakistan

Invasive plants can be extremely harmful to crops. “Famine weed” or parthenium is one such plant. Native to tropical America, it was accidentally introduced to several countries. In Pakistan, the weed now covers thousands of hectares of agricultural and rangeland. And it poses an economic burden to farmers.
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