Agricultural nematology in East and Southern Africa: problems, management strategies and stakeholder linkages
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Date
2015
Authors
Talwana, H.
Sibanda, Z.
Wanjohi, Waceke J.
Kimenju, W.
Luambano-Nyoni, N.
Massawe, C.
Manzanilla-López, R.H.
Davies, K.G.
Hunt, D.J.
Sikora, R.A.
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Society of Chemical Industry
Abstract
By 2050, Africa’s population is projected to exceed 2 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, because intensification of any system creates heightened selection pressures for pests.
Plant-parasitic nematodes and their damage potential are intertwined with intensified systems and can be an indicator of
unsustainable practices. As soil pests, nematodes are commonly overlooked or misdiagnosed, particularly where appropriate
expertise and knowledge transfer systems are meager or inadequately funded. Nematode damage to roots results in less
efficient root systems that are less able to access nutrients and water, which can produce symptoms typical of water or nutrient
deficiency, leading tomisdiagnosis of the underlying cause. 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. This review focuses on the current
knowledge of economically important nematode pests affecting key crops, nematode control methods and the research and
development needs for sustainable management, stakeholder involvement and capacity building in the context of crop security
in East and Southern Africa, especially Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda and Zimbabwe.
Description
DOI: 10.1002/ps.4104
Keywords
Africa, Agricultural nematology, Capacity building, Development needs, Food security, Pest management
Citation
Pest Manag Sci 2016; 72: 226–245