Biological controls to combat root-knot nematodes. Validated RNRRS Output.

Abstract

This is one of 280 summaries describing key outputs from the projects run by DFID's 10-year Renewable Natural Resources Research Strategy (RNRRS) programmes.

Principally based on Projects R8296, R7472 and R8218. In East Africa, a combination of biological controls, cultural practices and new pest-resistant varieties helps reduce damage to valuable tomato export crops. Root-knot nematodes are a chronic problem for vegetable growers. Crops do not thrive on land that's severely affected, so it's often abandoned. Export markets for vegetables from East Africa are booming. But growers must make sure their produce meets the safety standards set by importing countries. This means they can't use harmful pesticides. Many smallholders in western Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda now practice safe production, using biological controls and resistant varieties. A small company in Kenya already produces 40 kilogrammes a week of a biological fungicide. And Kenya has amended its registration system to include biopesticides. So, there's a huge potential.

The CD has the following information for this output: Description, Validation, Current Situation, Current Promotion, Impacts On Poverty, Environmental Impact. Attached PDF (11 pp.) taken from the CD.

Citation

CPP50, New technologies, new processes, new policies: tried-and-tested and ready-to-use results from DFID-funded research, Research Into Use Programme, Aylesford, Kent, UK, ISBN 978-0-9552595-6-2, p 54.

Published 1 January 2007