Improving plant health in sub-Saharan Africa: conclusions and future challenges

Publication date: 07/02/2019
Extent: 42 pages

Contributions by: Peter Neuenschwander and Manuele Tamò, International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA), Benin; and May-Guri Sæthre, International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA), Nigeria

Chapter synopsis: This chapter provides concluding comments for ‘Critical Issues in Plant Health: 50 Years of Research in African Agriculture’, a book focussing on research carried out by the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) to improve the health of crops in Africa. In addition, it also outlines future challenges faced in improving plant health in sub-Saharan Africa for IITA. IITA projects and their impacts are discussed in relation to issues such as biological control, resistant varieties, cultural and environmental control, biorational control (including use of botanicals and entomopathogens) and chemical control. The impact of IITA projects on combining techniques in integrated pest management (IPM) is also covered. Lastly, an overall assessment of projects is made, and IITA’s plans for the future are included, as are recommendations for the future.

DOI: 10.19103/AS.2018.0043.17