New biocontrol agent production model to fight fall armyworm in Bangladesh

The state of BCA use in Bangladesh The use of biological control agents (BCAs) to manage pests is a concept not yet fully embraced by farmers. This is especially true in Bangladesh, where the invasive pest, fall armyworm (Spodoptera frugiperda), has affected many crops. First seen in Bangladesh in November 2018, fall armyworm causes harvest…
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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…
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Conserving biodiversity: biocontrol for sustainable agriculture

A bee on tomato flowers
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. 
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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.…
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A more sustainable way for food production

As the UN Biodiversity Conference (COP15) is now underway in Montreal, Canada, until 19 December, we take a look at how the CABI BioProtection Portal can contribute towards a more biodiversity-friendly way to produce food and feed our growing planet.
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5 advantages of biocontrol compared to chemical pest control

Advantages of biocontrol This article was originally published on the CABI BioProtection Portal blog. Visit the original blog post here. There are many advantages of biocontrol compared to chemical pest control. In this blog, we look at five of the main ones.
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Mass rearing training strengthens papaya mealybug biocontrol programme in Kenya

Farmer field in Kwale County, during Biocontrol training in Kenya
PlantwisePlus has been working in collaboration with partners in Kenya to implement a classical biological control strategy to manage papaya mealybug (Paracoccus marginatus). The invasive pest has been devastating papaya crops in Kenya. A CABI study in 2019 found it caused an estimated 57% yield losses across five counties.
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Selecting the right biopesticide or biocontrol product for your needs

White grub, a soil dwelling insect pest
This article was originally published on the CABI BioProtection Portal blog. Visit the original blog post here. Choosing a biopesticide or biocontrol product for managing a pest is about asking the right questions. Below we have compiled a simple list that will help you make the right choice, with the CABI BioProtection Portal to support and guide you.
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How Plantwise plant clinics supported a women-led cottage industry in India

Women preparing biopesticides at a cottage industry.
In 2003, twelve women in Chokkalingam Puddur village started a local biocontrol agent production unit. The Ellya Thendral women self-help group produced and marketed five different types of fungal biopesticides. Their cottage industry received a boost when a Plantwise plant clinic was established in their village. CABI’s Plantwise programme partnered with M S Swaminathan Research…
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Bio-protection roadshow promotes low-risk plant protection products in Pakistan

BioProtection roadshow, Pakistan
Agriculture continues to face new and complex challenges. Not only do these affect agricultural production, but also basic and applied agricultural research and education. One key area of concern is the increasing threat from plant pests and diseases, made worse by climate change and environmental degradation. Farmers often turn to chemical pesticides to protect their…
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