Fall armyworm (Spodoptera frugiperda J.E. Smith) is a pest that has established across sub-Saharan Africa, capable of causing 100% yield loss in maize. Although aqueous extracts of neem (Azadirachta indica A. Juss) are being used to manage this pest, neem leaf residue may have added beneficial effects. This investigation was conducted during April–November 2020 at the Training and Research Farm, University of Benin, Nigeria, aiming to improve maize yields by using neem leaf residue for managing ...

Coffee is an important commodity for Kenya, where production is steadily declining, despite a global rise in demand. Of the various constraints affecting production, plant-parasitic nematodes are a significant, but often overlooked, threat. As a perennial crop, treating plantations once infected with nematodes becomes difficult. The current study evaluated the drenching application of two biocontrol agents, Trichoderma asperellum and Purpureocillium lilacinum, for their nematode control efficacy, ...

Introduction: Smallholder farmers in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) are increasingly producing soybean for food, feed, cash, and soil fertility improvement. Yet, the difference between the smallholder farmers’ yield and either the attainable in research fields or the potential from crop models is wide. Reasons for the yield gap include low to nonapplication of appropriate fertilizers and inoculants, late planting, low plant populations, recycling seeds, etc. Methods: Here, we reviewed the literature on ...

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 ...

Context Crop productivity in sub-Saharan Africa cannot be substantially improved without simultaneously addressing short-term crop nutrient demand and long-term soil fertility. Integrated soil fertility management tackles both by the combined application of mineral fertilizers and organic resource inputs but few studies examined its‘ long-term effectiveness. Objective To address this knowledge gap, this study analysed maize yield trends in four long-term (31–37 cropping seasons) field experiments ...

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 ...