This report presents the summary of the findings of a project on development of sustainable biological options for the control of banana aphid (Pentalonia nigronervosa) to reduce the incidence and spread of banana bunchy top virus (BBTV) and enhance banana/plantain productivity in BBTV-affected countries in sub-Saharan Africa. This specific project has the following objectives, (i) develop and refine rearing methods of the newly discovered species, Endaphis fugitiva, further to establish viable ...

Background: In order to help IRA researchers on and off station direct their work more towards the potentials and needs of food-crop farmers in the South West and Littoral, the TLU at Ekona is undertaking a series of farming systems surveys. The series began in 1986. Objectives: To provide useful information to IRA breeders and agronomists, to MINAGRI extension workers and planners, and to the TLU for its on-farm trial program. Methods: Preliminary analysis of Meme Division soils, climate and ...

The cocoa rehabilitation and establishment in cocoa-based farming systems in the humid forest zones of West Africa is part of the larger TAFS-WCA initiative that seeks to enhance access to quality, nutrient-dense seed, and climate-smart good agricultural practices (GAP) and reduced post-harvest losses and to see how these have a positive impact on food and nutrition and health security. Within the cocoa sector in West Africa, this initiative seeks to improve yields of cocoa and food crops and ...