Team of global experts to develop beneficial nematode-based biocontrol solution to fall armyworm in Africa

Published 2024년 4월 22일

Tridge summary

CABI, in collaboration with international experts and organizations such as the University of Neuchâtel, icipe, Dudutech, and the Rwanda Agriculture and Animal Resource Development Board, is spearheading a project to develop nematode-based biocontrol solutions aimed at combating the fall armyworm (Spodoptera frugiperda) in Africa. This pest poses a significant threat to crops, especially maize, across the continent. Funded by the Swiss National Science Foundation (SNSF) and the Swiss Development Cooperation (SDC), and part of the PlantwisePlus programme, the initiative seeks to offer a safer, environmentally friendly alternative to chemical pesticides through the use of entomopathogenic nematodes. The project not only focuses on creating effective application techniques for these biocontrol agents within an Integrated Pest Management (IPM) plan but also emphasizes capacity building among young scientists, agricultural extension officers, and farmers. This approach aims to enhance food security by reducing reliance on harmful pesticides and addressing the continuous pest multiplication challenge, especially in regions like Rwanda where maize is grown year-round.
Disclaimer:The above summary was generated by Tridge's proprietary AI model for informational purposes.

Original content

CABI has joined a team of international experts to develop beneficial nematode-based biocontrol solutions to fight the devastating fall armyworm (Spodoptera frugiperda) in Africa.Entomopathogenic nematodes are tiny insect-killing worms, also called beneficial nematodes, and have been used for nearly a century as safer-to-use and more environmentally friendly biocontrol agents against insect crop pests.The fall armyworm is a significant pest of more than 80 crops, but favours maize where it can cut yields by up to 60%. CABI research revealed that fall armyworm costs just 10 of Africa’s maize producing economies between $2.2bn to $5.5bn a year in lost harvests.Dr Stefan Toepfer, CABI’s invasive species and maize production expert, is sharing his knowledge as part of the project ‘Biological control of the fall armyworm with entomopathogenic nematodes for enhanced food security in Africa.’Practical, safe, and effective application techniqueDr Toepfer is supporting an expert team in ...
Source: Cabi

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