Agricultural Nematology in East And Southern Africa: Problems, Management Strategies and Stakeholder Linkages
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Date
2016
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Pest Management Science
Abstract
By 2050, Africa’s population is projected to hit two billion. Africa will have to increase food production more than 50% in the coming 50 years to meet the nutritional requirements of its growing population. Nowhere is the need to increase agricultural productivity more pertinent than in much of sub-Saharan Africa where it is currently static or declining. Optimal pest management will be essential as intensification of any system creates heightened selection pressures for pests.
RESULTS: Plant-parasitic nematodes and their damage potential are intertwined with intensified systems and can be an indicator of unsustainable practices. As soil pests, nematode are commonly overlooked or misdiagnosed, particularly where appropriate expertise and knowledge transfer systems are meager or inadequately funded. Nematode damage to roots produces symptoms similar to nutrient deficiency, often leading to a misdiagnosis and consequent overuse of fertilizers. Damage in subsistence agriculture is exacerbated by growing crops on degraded soils and in areas of low water retention where strong root growth is vital.
CONCLUSION: This review focuses on the current knowledge of economically important nematode pests affecting key crops, control methods and the research and development needs for sustainable management, stakeholder involvement and capacity building in the context of crop security in Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda and Zimbabwe.
Description
Keywords
Africa, Agricultural nematology, Capacity building, Development needs, Food security, Pest management.
Citation
Herbert Talwana , et al, Agricultural nematology in East and Southern Africa: problems, management strategies and stakeholder linkages’, Pest Management Science Vol. 72 (2): 226 245, February 2016. http:// dx.doi.org/ 10.1002/ps.4104 Document