It gives African farmers and frontline agricultural workers the practical advice they need to tackle FAW head-on,” added Semedo. Farmers must be able to recognize the FAW natural enemies and learn how to conserve and enhance them. Fields in Nigeria have already shown high levels of natural FAW mortality due to fungal and viral entomopathogens (pathogenic organisms killing FAW larvae). The guide recommends that at a national policy level, information and recommendations regarding the role of pesticides in FAW management are urgently needed. Older pesticide molecules, recognized as hazardous and banned in industrialized countries, are often still readily available and widely used in African countries.

Source: The North Africa Journal February 16, 2018 09:56 UTC