Improved understanding of Striga resistance in rice
A group of scientists from the Netherlands, UK and Africa have studied upland NERICA rice cultivars to identify those that exhibit multi-level striga resistance. In two separate research papers, the 18 NEw RICe for Africa (NERICA) cultivars and their parents were screened for pre- and post- attachment striga resistance. One particular cultivar NERICA 1 was…
Anti-Terror Measures Allow Pest Explosion
Since 9/11 the number of invasive pests and plant diseases managing to slip into the USA has risen dramatically. Border checkpoints normally act as a first line of defence against these pests and diseases, however the increased emphasis on anti-terrorism measures has led to agricultural issues being ignored. This costs the USA a staggering $120…
Breakthrough in Crop Defence Mechanism
New research at Washington State University shows that barley plants are able to recognise stem rust spores (Puccinia graminis) and begin to activate their plant defences within just 5 minutes of the spore touching the leaf surface. This goes against the previously held view that pathogens had to penetrate a plant in order to trigger…
Update: New Pest & Disease Records (19 Oct 11)
We’ve selected a few of the latest new geographic, host and species records for plant pests and diseases from CAB Abstracts. Click on the links to view the abstracts. First report of blue mold caused by Penicillium oxalicum in tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) in Mexico. Picos-Munoz, P. A.; Garcia-Estrada, R. S.; Carrillo-Fasio, J. A.; Leon-Felix, J.;…
Is citrus greening coming your way?
Mexico is the latest to succumb to the inevitable spread and establishment of huanglongbing (HLB) – the devastating disease of citrus crops. Mexican authorities in the states of Jalisco, Michoacán and Colima have warned growers that HLB – otherwise known as citrus greening – is here to stay. HLB was first detected in Mexico in…
Information Diffusion Key to Pest Management
A recent study has found that integrated pest management programs can experience significant lags in their implementation due to slow ‘information diffusion’ within farmer communities. Cooperation between farmers in developing countries was found to be key to ensure the successful coordinated implementation of such programs. Integrated pest management (IPM) programs are biological approaches to dealing…
Update: Plant Health News (12 Oct 11)
Here’s a taste of some of the latest news stories about plant health: Smarter toxins help crops fight resistant pests EurekAlert! – Agriculture, 9 October 2011 Herbicide-resistant superweeds overpowering crops CBC.ca – Technology & Science, 7 October 2011 Research urged to combat Philippine banana disease SciDev.Net, 7 October 2011 US (FL): Citrus growers fight greening…
Update: New Pest & Disease Records (6 Oct 11)
We’ve selected a few of the latest new geographic, host and species records for plant pests and diseases from CAB Abstracts. Click on the links to view the abstracts. Tuta absoluta Meyrick (Lepidoptera, Gelechiidae), a new pest in Montenegro. Hrncic, S.; Radonjic, S.; Vänninen, I. (2011) IOBC/WPRS Bulletin 68, 71-74 First report of Phytophthora foliar…
Update: Plant Health News (29 Sept 11)
Here’s a taste of some of the latest news stories about plant health: Mexico: fruit flies damaging orange crops in Veracruz Fresh Fruit Portal, 29 September 2011 Ghana: Engaging cocoa growers through text messaging from AgInfo News World Education, 26 September 2011 Tanzania: Regional Crisis as Sugarcane Production Falls AllAfrica News: Food, Agriculture and Rural…
Update: New Pest & Disease Records (22 Sept 11)
We’ve selected a few of the latest new geographic, host and species records for plant pests and diseases from CAB Abstracts. Click on the links to view the abstracts. Identification of some viruses causing mosaic on lettuce and characterization of Lettuce mosaic virus from Tehran province in Iran. Soleimani, P.; Mosahebi, G.; Habibi, M. K.…