Shaping sustainable management of the South American tomato leafminer in VietnamÂ
The global damage caused by the South American tomato leafminer (Phthorimaea absoluta) poses a significant threat to tomato production worldwide, including in Vietnam. Since its first official recording in Son La province in 2019, tomato growers have faced potential crop losses of 80–100%. A combination of its spread and ability to develop resistance to pesticides…
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…
Parasitic wasps play pivotal role in Kenya’s papaya mealybug control
Papaya mealybug (Paracoccus marginatus) is a devastating papaya pest. It impacts many countries in East and West Africa. Infestations can result in significant economic losses, posing a threat to the livelihoods of smallholder farmers. On average, the pest can cause anywhere from 53% to 100% crop losses, costing ÂŁ2,224 per hectare annually. Its impact on…
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…
Strengthening Bangladesh’s pest preparedness and management system
In a landmark initiative, CABI hosted a pivotal stakeholder workshop dedicated to “Strengthening the System for Pest Preparedness and Management in Bangladesh.” The workshop had two primary objectives. Firstly, to validate findings from a national pest management exercise. Secondly, to develop a roadmap to fortify Bangladesh’s pest preparedness and management system through the collaborative commitment…
PlantwisePlus most read blogs of 2023
As 2023 draws to a close, we have tallied the numbers to present the most-read articles on the PlantwisePlus Blog this year. Plus a few firm favourites. Articles on the new PlantwisePlus tools and courses were some of the most read during 2023, as well as other blogs on key topics like one health and…
CABI study unearths important lessons for the fight against fall armyworm
A study by CABI contributes important knowledge on fall armyworm (Spodoptera frugiperda). CABI’s research findings suggests that employing more sustainable and environmentally friendly solutions could help mitigate the damaging impacts of the species.
Kenyan farmer perceptions of biological control of papaya mealybug
The papaya mealybug problem in Kenya The invasive papaya mealybug (Paracoccus marginatus) is a devastating pest to many crops, with a host range of over 200 plants. The species was first detected in Africa in 2010 in Ghana and then in 2016 in Mombasa County in Kenya. In Kenya, where horticulture makes up 60% of…
Biocontrol agent released to safeguard crops from parthenium weed in Pakistan
Invasive plants can be extremely harmful to crops. “Famine weed” or parthenium is one such plant. Native to tropical America, it was accidentally introduced to several countries. In Pakistan, the weed now covers thousands of hectares of agricultural and rangeland. And it poses an economic burden to farmers.