The role of soil health in sustainable agriculture 

Seedling in soil
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…
Read Further

5 common chilli pests and diseases

Red chillies
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…
Read Further

How does crop rotation help keep pest populations in control? 

Corn in field
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. 
Read Further

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…
Read Further

‘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.
Read Further

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…
Read Further

“The health of plants, animals, people and the environment is interlinked in so many ways” 

Without healthy crops, food systems crumble, livelihoods suffer, and communities become more vulnerable to food insecurity. PlantwisePlus supports countries in strengthening plant health systems and improving food quality, quantity, and security. Plant clinics are central to this approach, providing farmers with diagnosis and treatment advice for any crop problem. 
Read Further

Meet Florence Malemba, the virtual plant doctor reaching more farmers through video

Plant doctor Florence Malemba standing next to her plant clinic banner.
Even from afar, it’s easy to spot Florence Malemba. She’s wearing a white lab coat labelled “Plant Doctor”, and a banner hangs behind where she’s organizing her equipment, ready to assist her farmer-patients of the day. Florence is setting up her plant clinic in Njoro, an agricultural town southwest of Nakuru City, Kenya.
Read Further

PlantwisePlus Knowledge Bank 2024 wrap up

As the new year begins, it’s time to take a look back at the highlights for the PlantwisePlus Knowledge Bank in 2024 2024 in numbers In 2024 there were over 1.8 million visits to the PlantwisePlus Knowledge bank. That is a 3 fold increase in visits from 2023. People from 230 different countries used our…
Read Further

Most read blogs of 2024

Image of Papayas, ready to sell. Our Common Papaya Disorders: A Comprehensive Guide one of our most-read blog posts this year.
As 2024 comes to a close, we’ve tallied the numbers to reveal the most read blogs on the PlantwisePlus Blog this year—plus a few firm favourites! Our most read blogs cover crop pest guides, digital tools, and biocontrols for invasive species, highlighting the impactful work we do with smallholder farmers, policymakers, and communities. Did any…
Read Further