Training module to help agro-input dealers in Uganda reduce the risks of highly hazardous pesticides
CABI has worked in partnership to produce a training module on lower-risk plant protection products to help agro-input dealers in Uganda reduce the risks associated with highly hazardous pesticides to deal with a range of crop pests.
Writeshop to draft National Pesticide Residue Monitoring Framework for Kenya
A writeshop has led to the creation of a draft National Pesticide Residue Monitoring Framework for Kenya aimed at coordinating pesticides residue monitoring for domestic and export value chains. This writeshop follows a series of virtual meetings held in the months of May and July 2024 that aimed at examining the situation on pesticide monitoring…
What are Natural Enemies Field Reservoirs, and how do they help farmers control crop pests?
Classical biological control (CBC) is a widely used type of biological control that is proven to be effective in managing invasive pests. This method involves releasing natural enemies like parasitoids or fungi that can keep pest populations under control. However, additional technology, such as natural enemies field reservoirs – or NEFRs – can improve CBC…
Advancing pest management in Grenada through PlantwisePlus biological control training
In a remarkable effort to enhance agricultural practices, Grenada’s Ministry of Agriculture recently hosted a pivotal training course on biological control organized and co-funded by CABI’s PlantwisePlus programme in collaboration with Sandals Foundation*. The course provided participants with a comprehensive overview of biological control strategies tailored specifically to Grenada’s agricultural context.
Blueprint for change: how a training manual will support pesticide risk reduction in Uganda
In the evolving landscape of pesticide regulation and safety, well-crafted training manuals are indispensable tools. They ensure that people who use pesticides can effectively navigate and implement risk reduction strategies. These knowledge resources can become a blueprint for changing behaviour around pesticides.
Changing behaviour around pesticide use can make farming safer – here’s how
Chemical pesticides can be an important part of a pest management strategy, helping to prevent food losses and waste. Synthetic fungicides, herbicides and insecticides can effectively control pest threats, and this is beneficial for food production. However, pesticides have a downside. They pose a health risk to consumers, farmers, animals and the environment. These risks…
Types of biological control: augmentative, conservation and classical
Biological control, also called biocontrol or bioprotection, is a method of pest control using other organisms, natural enemies, pathogens, semiochemicals and natural substances. Unlike some other methods of control in agriculture, bioprotection often has little to no side effects.
Pesticide risk reduction can contribute to food safety – here’s how
To mark World Food Safety Day on 7 June, with the theme of the year “Food safety: prepare for the unexpected“ we take a look at the ways in which the PlantwisePlus pesticide risk reduction pathway can contribute to safer food production.
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 £2,224 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…