Update: New Pest & Disease Records (07 June 2023)
We’ve selected a few of the latest new geographic, host and species records for plant pests and diseases from CAB Abstracts. Records this month include the first report of Dothiorella gregaria associated with fruit rot of walnuts in India, and the discovery of three new species of Botryosphaeriales isolated from diseased plant branches in China.
Why it’s important to prioritize unpaid care work in the agriculture sector
Gender norms often prevent women from entering into productive careers in agriculture. These norms are a type of social norm related to what communities believe men and women should and shouldn’t be doing. They’re shared beliefs about typical and appropriate behaviour in a group.
Pest risk training to help detect Pakistan’s potential invaders
A pest risk tools training for PlantwisePlus partners and stakeholders recently took place in Pakistan. The CABI-organised session covered the Horizon Scanning and Pest Risk Analysis platforms. Growing globalisation, trade and in particular, the international movement of plant commodities, increase the risk of the spread of plant pests. Introduced pests can lower crop yields and…
More trainers of KS1758 – Horticultural Code of Practice to reach more farmers in Kenya
CABI – through the PlantwisePlus programme – has assisted in delivering training to help farmers meet the KS1758 Horticultural Code of Practice. CABI’s regional centre for Africa, based in Nairobi, collaborated with the KS1758 code’s implementation committee (SIC) to deliver the Trainer of Trainers (ToT) training to 12 people in a bid to increase the…
Farmers in Ghana prepare and use neem seed-based biopesticide
CABI collaborates with entomologist in Ghana to train vegetable farmers in the local preparation of neem seed-based biopesticides. In collaboration with Professor Ken Owae Fening, an entomologist from the University of Ghana, PlantwisePlus has trained 44 vegetable farmers in the local preparation of neem-based biopesticides for pest control in vegetable production.
Pesticide risk reduction tackled at behaviour change workshop in Kenya
Pesticide overuse and misuse pose a risk to farmers, consumers, and the environment. Chemical pest control is a major source of pollution, leading to water and soil contamination. Moreover, pesticides can enter the food chain through residues on crops, jeopardising food safety.
Overcoming gender barriers to tomato farming in Pakistan
Tomato is an important crop in Pakistan – every year, the country produces 4.2 million tonnes of tomatoes. Growing them can be labour intensive. But research shows that tomato production has the potential to generate good incomes for rural smallholders. This includes incomes for women farmers. In Pakistan, women account for over 60% of active…
Conserving biodiversity: biocontrol for sustainable agriculture
Can biocontrol help protect biodiversity? Biodiversity refers to all the living things on Earth, including how they interact with each other. A rich biodiversity means a healthy planet.
Pesticides in tea: How can we manage tea pests more naturally, avoiding harmful chemicals?
On International Tea Day, we look at how we can reduce pesticides in tea. Tea is the second most widely consumed beverage in the world, after water. It’s estimated that people drink around three billion cups every day. But tea plantations are under threat from pests, and farmers must find effective ways to stop them.…
Radio campaign seeks to break down barriers to gender-equitable agricultural extension services
CABI is joining forces with Farm Radio International to roll out a behaviour change communication (BCC) campaign to try and help break down the barriers to gender equitable agricultural extension services in Ghana.