In countries like South Sudan, people feel the effects of climate change with greater intensity. For example, increased crop pest invasions. The fall armyworm (Spodoptera frugiperda) damages key crops like maize and sorghum. And the papaya mealybug (Paracoccus marginatus) has inflicted extensive damage on crops, leading to a 91% reduction in papaya yields. These factors and… The post How strengthening South Sudan’s plant health system can reduce crop losses appeared first on PlantwisePlus Blog ..read more

On World Food Day, CABI’s Global Lead for Pest Preparedness, Dr Ivan Rwomushana, considers how pest preparedness can safeguard ‘foods for a better life and a better future’ helping smallholder farmers to access the knowledge they need to prepare for and address the spread of pests. When it comes to addressing food security, pest preparedness… The post PlantwisePlus – supporting countries with pest preparedness for food security appeared first on PlantwisePlus Blog ..read more

The global damage caused by the South American tomato leafminer (Phthorimaea absoluta) poses a significant threat to tomato production worldwide, including in Vietnam. Since its first official recording in Son La province in 2019, tomato growers have faced potential crop losses of 80–100%. A combination of its spread and ability to develop resistance to pesticides… The post Shaping sustainable management of the South American tomato leafminer in Vietnam  appeared first on PlantwisePlus Blog ..read more

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. In many parts of the world, food safety is not guaranteed. Consumers cannot… The post Pesticide risk reduction can contribute to food safety – here’s how appeared first on PlantwisePlus Blog ..read more

In Nepal, digital tools are strengthening agricultural advisory services by providing timely information, facilitating remote training, and promoting the dissemination of best practices and innovations efficiently and widely. PlantwisePlus has been developing and updating various digital tools to support agricultural extension workers, private-sector farm advisory service providers, plant protection officers, farmers, researchers, and students. Digital… The post PlantwisePlus digital tools to benefit the next generation of agricultural experts in Nepal appeared first on PlantwisePlus Blog ..read more

CABI has published a working paper assessing the legacy of Plantwise programmes in six countries: Nepal, Pakistan, Ghana, Kenya, Malawi, and Jamaica. The paper, entitled Plantwise Sustainability: Two Years on, finds that the sustainability of a Plantwise programme hinges heavily on the country in question. This means that while it is difficult to engineer or… The post CABI shares important new evidence on the legacy of Plantwise appeared first on PlantwisePlus Blog ..read more

Global food consumption is predicted to increase by 51% by 2050. This is a profound challenge for our agrifood systems, which will only be made harder by the increased pressures of climate change on food security. In addition, agriculture is not just impacted by climate change; it is also a significant source of the greenhouse… The post How climate smart agriculture can lead to ‘triple wins’ for farmers threatened by climate change appeared first on PlantwisePlus Blog ..read more

The mealy plum aphid, or reed aphid, is a sap-sucking plant pest that is commercially important for fruit tree farmers. It is present across the globe and can cause significant damage in large numbers. Introduction Aphids are small, soft-bodied, sap-sucking bugs in the family Aphididae which cause extensive damage to plants when in large numbers.… The post Mealy Plum Aphid: An Overview appeared first on PlantwisePlus Blog ..read more

Cocoyam species are a staple crop in Ghana that hold significant importance for food security, particularly in times of famine and natural disasters. Despite being known for their hardy nature, cocoyams are vulnerable to a range of pests and diseases which can threaten their production. Cocoyam production also faces additional challenges which affect crop yields… The post Pests and diseases: cocoyam production in Ghana appeared first on PlantwisePlus Blog ..read more

CABI, as part of its work under the global PlantwisePlus programme, has joined forces with a range of partners to deliver a consumer food safety workshop ahead of a survey to assess food safety practices in Bangladesh. CABI joined colleagues, from the Department of Agriculture and Extension (DAE), Plant Quarantine Wing (PQW), Bangladesh Food Safety… The post Workshop helps prepare survey to assess food safety practices in Bangladesh appeared first on PlantwisePlus Blog ..read more