3 ways that preprints help researchers in agricultural and plant sciences
The use of preprints (pre-peer reviewed versions of scholarly papers) has accelerated in the last few years with many researchers now sharing their latest work with the scientific community before or in parallel to publication with a journal. After a slower start compared to other research fields, adoption of preprints in the plant sciences and…
First report of the invasive apple snail, Pomacea canaliculata, in Kenya
New research published today by scientists at CABI and the Kenya Plant Health Inspectorate Service (KEPHIS) confirms that the apple snail Pomacea canaliculata has been discovered in Kenya for the first time. The scientists, including lead author and Microbiology Research Leader at CABI, Dr Alan Buddie, published their findings in the journal, CABI Agriculture and…
Aflatoxin control in Pakistan – promising developments to reduce aflatoxin problem in maize crop
Aflatoxin Control in Pakistan is a game changer initiative for the country’s maize industry. Maize growers adopt cultural practices, such as the drying of maize cobs on concrete grounds and delaying the harvesting to reduce moisture on the standing crop.
Top 10 most downloaded CAB eBooks of 2020
For many students, 2020 was their most challenging yet – if not in terms of subject matter, then almost certainly in terms access to study materials. With many students working remotely, away from the convenience of campus and the university library, eBooks became more important than ever before. During the global pandemic, we saw the…
Building work starts on Pakistan’s first commercial facility to produce a biocontrol product for maize
Rafhan Maize Products Co. Ltd has begun building an AflaPakTM dedicated laboratory and production facility in Faisalabad which will be the first commercial facility in Pakistan for manufacturing a biocontrol product for the country’s maize sector.
Soil Health – applications and opportunities for climate-smart farming, food security and environmental integrity
Poor soil fertility is a key constraint to improving farm productivity and farmer livelihoods in sub-Saharan Africa as it is elsewhere in the world. CABI has a long history of helping to improve the livelihoods of smallholder farmers through better access to practical information about integrated soil fertility management as part of the Africa Soil…
Turning Point for Phytosanitary Risk Management?
International trade in plants and plant products has transformed the world in both positive and negative ways. The introduction of destructive non-native pests is one of the negative consequences. Effectively managing pest risk associated with international trade while also promoting the benefits of trade is most effectively accomplished when it is a shared responsibility across…
Aflatoxin control in Pakistan: A project which will change landscape of country’s maize crop
Aflatoxin, produced by a poisonous fungus, is a serious threat to food security by contaminating many of Pakistan’s agricultural products, including cereal grains, chilies, dry fruits, nuts and milk.
The advantage of developing ‘linkages’ for Better Cotton Initiative in Sindh province, Pakistan
In agriculture, cotton crop plays a vital role in the economy of Pakistan as the fourth biggest producer in the world behind China, India and the United States. But cotton yields and livelihoods are at risk from a range of pests such as Whitefly, Thrips, Cotton Mealybug, Pink Bollworm, and other sucking and chewing type…
Boosting banana productivity in Tanzania: Farmer reaps rewards with up to three-fold increase
In Tanzania, where demand for bananas is high, banana farmers face the challenge of low productivity caused by pests and diseases and limited basic knowledge on banana management practices. The ‘Improving banana agronomy practices for small scale farmers in highland banana cropping systems East Africa’ project set a goal to raise banana productivity in Tanzania from 10mt/ha/yr to 25 mt/ha/year. The banana agronomy project which is led by National Agricultural Research Organisation (NARO) is implemented in partnership with Tanzania Agricultural Research Institute (TARI), Bioversity International, International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) and CABI is also operated in Uganda.