Since their domestication approximately 10 000 years ago, crops have been threatened by a multitude of pests that cause yield losses, often leading to starvation and social unrest. On average, between 10% and 28% of crop production worldwide is lost to pests. In addition, each year, plant diseases cost the global economy more than US$220 billion (almost R3 trillion) and invasive insects at least US$70 billion (R950 billion). Post-harvest losses also occur, with the worst of these taking place in developing countries.
Besides losses, the presence of mycotoxins (toxins produced by fungi) in food and feed can severely threaten the health of humans and livestock. There is evidence to suggest that climate change and global warning will facilitate the introduction of unwanted organisms. The key findings of the report, ‘Scientific review of the impact of climate change on plant pests’, sheds light on how climate change may affect how infectious, widely distributed and problematic pests can become around the world. The review clearly shows that the impact of climate change is one of the greatest challenges faced by the plant health community.
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The scientific review finds that climate change will increase the risk of pests spreading in agricultural and forestry ecosystems, especially in cooler Arctic, boreal, temperate and subtropical regions. For example, a single, unusually warm winter may be enough to assist the establishment of invasive pests, which otherwise would not be able to establish themselves. In fact, the increased market globalisation of recent years, coupled with increased temperatures, has led to a situation that is extremely favourable to pest movement and establishment, with concomitant increases in the risk of severe forest and crop impacts.
Denne historien er fra June 25, 2021-utgaven av Farmer's Weekly.
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Denne historien er fra June 25, 2021-utgaven av Farmer's Weekly.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
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Uncertainty over Trump's stance on AGOA
It is of vital importance that that the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) be upheld following the recent US presidential election, in which Donald Trump emerged as the winner.
Plum pollen study reveals varietal differences in pollination effectiveness
A new study undertaken near George, Western Cape, explored pollination in plum varieties, showing key differences in pollen quality. Octavia Avesca Spandiel reports on the research findings.
Study: small cuts to beef production could eliminate years of emissions
In a paper published in early November, scientists reveal that pasturelands, in particular those that were once forests, hold great potential for mitigating the effects of climate change.
Harnessing wind for cleaner energy
At the Windaba Conference and Exhibition, held in October in Cape Town, Western Cape, Niveshen Govender, CEO of the South African Wind Energy Association, spoke to Glenneis Kriel about the state of wind energy in the country and the opportunities that farmers can exploit.
The Cape Grace: a Cape Town icon is reborn, and her new custodians shine
Brian Berkman has had the exceedingly good fortune of spending many nights at the Cape Grace Hotel over the years. He revisits it to find it as impressive as ever.
Cutting-edge tech aiding the agri sector
Toyota Material Handling's innovations conserve resources and reduce the environmental footprint of farming operations.
Use the correct growing medium for safe seedling production
Instead of buying expensive growing mediums for seedlings, farmers can make their own mixtures from local resources, such as manure, which are economical and produce excellent results
Optimising cherry production and quality
Growing cherries in a suboptimal climate requires manipulating trees and temperatures. But with a considerable market advantage, it is worth the effort. Lindi Botha visited ZZ2's Toscana farm, which for four weeks of the year takes prime position in the cherry market.
Biosecurity & nutrition: the foundation of pig farming success
JD Mostert, a consulting swine nutritionist at CS Vet, and Dr Stefan Steyn, a veterinarian at Afrivet, shared their expertise with Sinenhlanhla Mncwango, delving into why biosecurity and nutrition are critical pillars in establishing and maintaining a productive pig farm geared for long-term success.
The business of pig farming: practical steps for success
Running a pork farm requires knowledge and expertise. Mosele Lepheane, director of a small piggery in the Free State, spoke to Sinenhlanhla Mncwango about the structured approach needed to succeed, from drafting a business plan and managing cash flow to sourcing equipment and expanding market access.
