How do pest risk registers address the spread of plant pests in Africa?
Pest risk registers can help to solve problems in agriculture, addressing the growing global threat of plant pests. Moreover, changing weather patterns, led by rising temperatures, are causing them to reproduce faster and expand into new regions. In addition, global trade and increased movement of people are accelerating the spread of pests across borders. These…
Post-registration pesticide reviews: Experiences, learnings and best practices
CABI’s PlantwisePlus programme recently hosted a regional webinar on strengthening post-registration pesticide reviews. Experts from Kenya, Uganda, and Sweden shared lessons on risk-based frameworks, regulatory digitization, and regional collaboration. The event highlighted global best practices and the need for data-driven, adaptable systems to ensure pesticide safety and compliance.
How plant clinics are strengthening crop health services in Bangladesh
When the first-ever plant clinic in Bangladesh opened in Dhaka in 2013, it initially faced a lack of interest due to its novelty and limited awareness among farmers. However, it went on to expand, providing advice to over 17,000 farmers and led to the current 383 plant clinics that are active in Bangladesh today. Government…
“Use of any pesticide comes with some risk, but this risk can be reduced”
Pesticides are a widely used pest management option. However, if applied incorrectly, they can pose serious risks to human health, ecosystems, and food safety. From farm workers and consumers to pollinators and waterways, the impacts of unsafe pesticide use can be far-reaching.
The role of soil health in sustainable agriculture
Previously, we have discussed the importance of soil health for agriculture, highlighting its threats and outlining protection strategies. In this blog, we dig deeper into the role of soil health in sustainable agriculture and explore its long-term benefits. With almost half the world’s surface used for agriculture, it is vital that the land on which…
5 common chilli pests and diseases
Chilli pests and diseases can considerably impact crop production. Not only can pest and disease outbreaks lead to severe yield losses, but they also reduce quality and lower market value. In many countries, including India, Bangladesh, Malawi, and Thailand, chilli is a vital cash and export crop contributing significantly to livelihoods and local economies. Effective…
How does crop rotation help keep pest populations in control?
Crop rotation is a simple, effective way to manage pests, improve soil health, and boost yields. Suitable for all growers, crop rotation supports sustainable agriculture and reduces the need for chemical inputs. By targeting pest lifecycles and reducing pest pressure over time, crop rotation helps create more resilient growing systems. Read below to learn more.
Managing mango mealybugs
Mango mealybugs are one of the most important insect pests affecting mango production across tropical and subtropical regions in Africa and Asia. These sap-sucking insects not only reduce the quantity and quality of fruit but can also weaken trees over time, leading to long-term production losses. Several species fall under the broad category of “mango…
‘Sowing the seeds’ for food security in Uganda: CABI supports training for Quality Declared Seed production
CABI has been working with Zirobwe Agali-Awamu Agribusiness Training Association (ZAABTA), the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries (MAAIF), the National Agricultural Research Organisation (NARO), and Integrated Seed Sector Development (ISSD) in Uganda to help smallholder farmers meet standards for Quality Declared Seed (QDS) production.
Biocontrol that goes the distance: Acerophagus papayae in Kenya
Acerophagus papayae can slow the spread of the invasive papaya mealybug and benefit the wider community. Recent monitoring efforts have shown that the natural enemy is reaching long distances away from the original release sites. Invasive species pose a persistent threat to agriculture, particularly in tropical and subtropical regions where favourable conditions allow rapid spread…