Plague of caterpillars threatening food crisis may be halted with safe pesticides
Experts have identified safer, effective pesticides they believe can control a plague of caterpillars that is devastating crops across Africa.
Many farmers are attempting to control armyworm – a pest that feasts on maize, rice and sugarcane – through the use of highly hazardous pesticides. But researchers warn such chemicals risk severe harm to health and to the environment, and that farmers should be offered sustainable alternatives.
A comprehensive study of biopesticides, which tend to be less toxic, has identified eight alternatives that can control the caterpillars. Such biopesticides could be provisionally registered by governments while trials are completed, the report authors said.
Posted by admin
on Oct 28 2018. Filed under Food security, News at Now, News From Roots.
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