Geddes, A.M.W. (1990) The relative importance of crop pests in sub-Saharan Africa (NRI Bulletin No. 36). [Working Paper]

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Abstract

The aim of this study was to assess the relative economic importance of insect-vectored plant diseases and other pests (harmful organisms) in each farming system of sub-Saharan Africa. The first steps were to divide sub-Saharan Africa into ten agro-ecological zones and list the major and secondary crops in each zone (Fig. 4, fold out map, and Tables 3 to 6). Through study of the literature and consultation with experts in UK and Africa, pests in each zone were then assigned to ranks indicating their relative economic importance in that zone (Tables 7 to 25, odd nos.). On this basis the most serious pests affecting each major crop were listed in order of importance for each zone (Tables 8 to 36 even nos.). By using a rudimentary scoring system, an estimate was made of the relative importance of insect-vectored plant diseases in sub-Saharan Africa as a whole. The African cassava mosaic and maize streak diseases are much the most important of such pests, followed by groundnut rosette (Table 30). A rather tentative estimate was made of the relative importance of the different zones for insect- vectored plant diseases. The two semi-arid zones appeared to have the least problems. (Table 31). The study stresses the dynamic nature of the pest situation and examines the factors likely to lead to changes in the relative importance of pests. it also summarizes the geographical features and the farming systems in each zone and their relationship to pests and their control.

Item Type:	Working Paper
Additional Information:	[1] Acknowledgements: Grateful acknowledgement is made of the help and advice given by the experts consulted in this study. Without the benefit of their knowledge and experience this report could not have been written. Needless to say, responsibility for the evaluation and final synthesis of all the information collected resides with the author. I am also indebted to all those who suggested useful contacts and helped in the practical arrangements for the study tour. [2] Acknowledgements (funding): The study was funded through NRI projects T0063 and A0059. [3] ISBN: 0 85954 272-6
Uncontrolled Keywords:	crop pest, sub-sahara, Africa, plant disease, insect vectors, pest control, cassava mosaic, maize streak, groundnut rosette
Subjects:	S Agriculture > S Agriculture (General)
Faculty / School / Research Centre / Research Group:	Faculty of Engineering & Science Faculty of Engineering & Science > Natural Resources Institute Faculty of Engineering & Science > Natural Resources Institute > Agriculture, Health & Environment Department
Related URLs:	Organisation
Last Modified:	28 Nov 2019 15:25
URI:	http://gala.gre.ac.uk/id/eprint/11068

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