Types of biological control: augmentative, conservation and classical
Biological control, also called biocontrol or bioprotection, is a method of pest control using other organisms, natural enemies, pathogens, semiochemicals and natural substances. Unlike some other methods of control in agriculture, bioprotection often has little to no side effects.
India Update: Pest Risk Analysis workshop
A Pest Risk Analysis (PRA) allows National Plant Protection Organisations (NPPOs) to assess risks posed by pests or pathways of quarantine concern and identify options to manage those risks. In early Jun, CABI, in collaboration with the National Institute of Plant Health Management (NIPHM), conducted a five-day regional workshop on PRA using CABI decision-support tools.…
How does parthenium weed impact maize crop production?
Parthenium hysterophorus, or parthenium weed, is highly invasive in many parts of the world. It is native to Central and South America but is now found in Asia and Africa, among others. In Australia, it has caused millions of dollars in crop yield losses. This is because the weed can produce prolific seeds, germinate, and…
Ask the tutor Q&A: Certificates in Advanced Studies in Integrated Crop Management
In this blog, Manfred Grossrieder, Integrated Crop Management Advisor for CABI, answers questions about the Certificates in Advanced Studies in Integrated Crop Management courses.
Pesticide risk reduction can contribute to food safety – here’s how
To mark World Food Safety Day on 7 June, with the theme of the year “Food safety: prepare for the unexpected“ we take a look at the ways in which the PlantwisePlus pesticide risk reduction pathway can contribute to safer food production.
Nepal National Forum stresses collaborative actions for strengthening plant clinics
The National Forum meeting, a key event in the Nepal PlantwisePlus calendar, recently took place in Kathmandu. It was an opportunity for participants to hear the latest plant clinic activities and aimed to strengthen plant clinic operations nationwide.
Improving plant health in Papua New Guinea with plant doctor training
Plant clinics require trained agricultural extension workers to deliver this service to farmers. However, a lack of public extension workers to reach smallholder farmers with the crop advice they need can be a common problem in many countries.
PlantwisePlus digital tools to benefit the next generation of agricultural experts in Nepal
In Nepal, digital tools are strengthening agricultural advisory services by providing timely information, facilitating remote training, and promoting the dissemination of best practices and innovations efficiently and widely. PlantwisePlus has been developing and updating various digital tools to support agricultural extension workers, private-sector farm advisory service providers, plant protection officers, farmers, researchers, and students.
Successful on-farm trials using Metarhizium rileyi in Zambia
The fall armyworm (Spodoptera frugiperda) has wreaked havoc on Zambia’s agriculture, devastating smallholder farmers with staggering losses. But amidst the struggle, a promising solution emerges. Through activities on the PlantwisePlus programme and the Village-based biocontrol of fall armyworm in Zambia project, funded by ACIAR, CABI has delved into combating this agricultural menace with various biological…
Common papaya disorders: A comprehensive guide
Papaya, also commonly known as the papaw or pawpaw, is a large tropical fruit-producing plant originating from Central America. Market demand for tropical fruits has steadily grown, and consequently, the papaya has become an important agricultural export in many countries around the world. As of 2020, India was the largest producer of papaya, followed by…