Registration of biopesticides in Pakistan
Agriculture is extremely important to Pakistan’s economy and people. It is the largest sector, employing over 40% of the workforce and contributing approximately 24% to the country’s gross domestic product (GDP). However, the increase in demand for food is being challenged by low agricultural productivity due to losses caused by…
Coffee berry borer modelling for Kenyan coffee production
The coffee berry borer is a major coffee pest worldwide, threatening farmers’ livelihoods and the production of coffee. In Kenya, the pest is a particular problem in low-altitude zones and can cause up to 80% losses. Erratic rainfall and other effects of climate change are making it hard to break…
Developing beneficial nematode-based biocontrol solutions to fall armyworm in Africa
The fall armyworm is a major pest devastating more than 80 crops. However, it favours maize where it can cut yields by up to 90%. The pest has invaded Africa, Australia and Asia, and recently arrived in Europe. Existing pest management efforts against the maize pest include insecticides. But an…
EU-China joint action to increase the development and adoption of IPM tools
The persistent threat of invasive agricultural pests and their chronic re-emergence underlines the importance of Integrated Pest Management (IPM) tools and their implementation. Pest management typically relies largely on chemical pesticides, increasing the risks to humans and wildlife. Despite European Union and Chinese policies promoting the use of IPM, widespread…
Collating and publishing datasheets on impactful invasive species
Invasive species are of significant concern to ecosystems. They are a key driver of global biodiversity loss and species extinctions. Together with climate change, invasive species are causing irreversible damage. Without any mitigation, the spread of invasives will continue and the persistent damaging effects will increase and remain. Having current…
Earth observation to improve critical datasets for pest risk modelling
Rising temperatures have led to pests, diseases and weeds establishing in areas of the world that were previously uninhabitable. Furthermore, growth in global trade and new trade pathways increase the risk of accidental movement of pests. Earth Observation (EO) and climatic data can help by improving predictions about where potential…