Photo of the Month, October 2013 – Idyllic location for training in Malawi
Plantwise was launched in Malawi in May 2013 after vigorous training of plant doctors in crop pest identification and how to give recommendations based on the identified pest problem. In the 14 plant clinics widespread in Lilongwe and Mzimba, there was need to understand the role that the plant clinic data will play in the…
Cassava Brown Streak Disease threatens the “Rambo root” further north in Africa
by MaryLucy Oronje and Willis Ndeda Ochilo Cassava Brown Streak Disease (CBSD) is threatening gains made in the intensification of cassava production in Africa. Since my colleague, Abigail Rumsey, reported on the resurgence of this disease in East Africa, and spread to Central and Western Africa, there are now reports of it spreading to northern…
Knowledge Bank interview with Agfax radio in Africa
Access to agricultural information especially crop pest information, e.g pest identity and practical control options, is an essential ingredient in increasing agricultural production in developing countries. Where available, such information is always inaccessible and poorly developed and farmers hardly understand the contents. The Knowledge Bank, which was launched in July 2012, is part of the…
Update: Plant Health News (07 Jun 12)
Here’s a taste of some of the latest stories about plant health, including imminent risk from Desert Locust swarms in Niger and Mali, the Asian psyllid being found on three fruit trees in California sparking worries on citrus greening disease in the area, and the Sigatoka banana disease that is threatening banana production in Ecuador.…
Pesticide use does not guarantee increased yields
The ongoing decline of pollinators has caused a global concern. Factors contributing to this decline include among others, use of pesticides, habitat destruction such as bush burning, bee diseases and pests (Colony Collapse Disorder (CCD) and Varroamite), and climate change. Research in Ghana has revealed that cocoa and oil palm production is on the decline…
Update: Plant Health News (23 May 12)
Here’s a taste of some of the latest stories about plant health, including reports linking pesticide use to reduced cocoa and oil palm yields in Ghana, an unidentified maize disease in Kenya, and the destructive banana disease in Congo-Kinshasa that is threatening food security. Click on the link to read more of the latest plant health news!