Which is the most important plant-pathogenic fungus?
A survey by the journal, Molecular Plant Pathology, had 495 responses from international fungal pathologists on what they thought the most scientifically and economically important fungal plant pathogens were. Several of the ‘top 10’ fungi from these results are those that infect cereal crops, which isn’t surprising as cereals such as wheat and rice are…
Update: New Pest & Disease Records (04 Apr 12)
We’ve selected a few of the latest new geographic, host and species records for plant pests and diseases from CAB Abstracts. Records this fortnight include a North American leafminer invading Italian vineyards, a new fungal disease on blueberry in Argentina, a new species of nematode in Iranian banana plantations, and three new races of Bremia…
From discovery to eradication: the coconut rhinoceros beetle on Guam
It takes a large combined effort to successfully eradicate a plant pest. The Guam Coconut Rhinoceros Beetle Eradication Project has finally found a technique that could bring them their own eradication success story. The coconut rhinoceros beetle (Oryctes rhinoceros) was first discovered in Guam on 11th September 2007. Over the past five years it has…
Weaving a web of crop protection
Spider-Man was perhaps the first to demonstrate the full effects of a spider bite: crime-fighting superpowers. But now it’s the turn of cereal crops to benefit. The Grains Research and Development Corporation (GRDC) in Australia is looking into the possibility of using spider venom as an insecticide – a potentially safe, environmentally friendly, and sustainable pest control…
Update: Plant Health News (28 Mar 12)
Here’s a taste of some of the latest stories about plant health, including IPM advice for coffee-growers in Colombia, the latest on cashew pests in Vietnam, and already predictions are being made for lemon and mango production in 2013. Click on the link to read more of the latest plant health news!
Planet under Pressure
A major international conference ‘Planet under Pressure (PUP)’ is being held in London, United Kingdom, this week, 26–29 March 2012. The meeting is being attended by scientists, industry leaders and decision makers. It will show whether science can, not only diagnose our environmental crisis, but also provide effective solutions, says David Dickson, SciDev’s editor, the official organisation…
Why it’s time for a Spice Girl come back
The 1990’s saw some significant steps made towards equality, democracy and sustainable living. Perhaps the thing that made the biggest impact on me was the ‘Girl Power’ movement, led by none other than the Spice Girl’s – their music might have been questionable, but they certainly made an impact. Fortunately for the rest of society,…
Update: New Pest & Disease Records (21 Mar 12)
We’ve selected a few of the latest new geographic, host and species records for plant pests and diseases from CAB Abstracts. Records this fortnight include citrus tristeza virus found in Afghanistan for the first time, the first record of peas infected with tomato spotted wilt virus, and a new species of the pathogenic fungal genus…
Where did black sigatoka come from?
Black sigatoka, or black leaf streak disease, a disease of bananas and plantains caused by the fungus Mycosphaerella fijiensis, has caused widespread losses to banana crops over the past 50 years. A new study of the phylogeography of black sigatoka on banana leaves from around the world has helped to elucidate the recent origins of…
Update: Plant Health News (13 Mar 12)
Here’s a taste of some of the latest stories about plant health, including some good news for growers in Australia, New Zealand and Canada, how scientists have finally caught gene-thieving fungi, and a quick ‘pecan’ to the future of weevil control. Click on the link to read more of the latest plant health news!