5 cotton pests devastating farmer yields
Cotton pests can have a devastating impact on cotton-producing communities, causing huge crop losses. For many low- and middle-income nations, cotton is a major cash crop, with millions of farmers dependent on it for their livelihoods. For this year’s World Cotton Day (7th October), we take a look at some of the major cotton pests, their…
‘Plantwise approach’ to promote nature-based solutions for sustainable agriculture in South East Asia addressed at ASEAN forum
A ‘Plantwise approach’ to sustainable agriculture in South East Asia has been promoted at the 4th ASEAN Socio-Cultural Community (ASCC) Research and Development Forum.
CABI Academy eLearning courses available in Burkina Faso
CABI Academy’s eLearning courses are now available free for users in Burkina Faso. The new digital learning platform provides online courses for agricultural extension and advisory service providers to help them expand their agricultural knowledge and skills. The courses are also relevant to agriculture and crop protection students, reinforcing the knowledge, skills, and experience they gain…
Could biocontrol solve the papaya mealybug problem for Ugandan farmers?
Papaya mealybug, Paraccous margniatus, is native to Central America but has spread rapidly in invaded countries. It was detected in Uganda in 2021 where it has the potential to affect the production and quality of papaya and other host crops.
Update: New Pest & Disease Records (7 September 2022)
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 a new distribution record of palm whitefly Aleurotrachelus atratus in India and the first report of coffee canker disease caused by Ceratocystis fimbriata in China.
Why multi-channel agricultural extension works for fighting crop pests
Addressing fall armyworm in Eastern Rwanda We might often have a sense that if taking one course of action works, then doing more of it should amplify that work. It turns out this really is the case regarding agricultural extension. A PlantwisePlus-funded study has discovered the benefits of ‘multi-channel agricultural extension’. The research focused on…
The life cycle of the African armyworm
The life cycle of the African armyworm (Spodoptera exempta) makes it an extremely destructive pest. It grows and reproduces quickly with just ten days between hatching and pupation.
Sanitary and Phytosanitary measures: Challenges and opportunities in Asia and the Pacific region
Global agricultural exports have more than tripled in value and doubled in volume since 1995, exceeding US $1.8 trillion in 2018. Plant and plant-based products contribute more than 50% to the total trade. International trade in fruits and vegetables stands at 24% followed by 15% cereals; and 10% comprising coffee, tea, cocoa & spices.
4 mango disorders that can affect yields
Having been cultivated for centuries, mango is an important crop throughout tropical regions globally. A wide range of fresh mango cultivars are now consumed worldwide and are available all year round, making it a valuable commodity. In 2020, the global export of mangoes, guavas and mangosteens rose to approximately 2.2 million tonnes.
5 ways that youth agricultural training benefits young people in Uganda
Youth agricultural training is bringing hope to young people in Uganda. Here, youth unemployment is a significant crisis. Around 70% of unemployed people are youths. There are ample job opportunities in the agriculture sector. However, many youths lack the skills they need to secure careers in farming.