Black sigatoka disease

one month old. The symptoms run parallel to the veins. Within a few days, the spots become a few centimetres in size and turn brown with light grey centres [...] adjacent stomata. Both types of spores can germinate within two or three hours under humid conditions, but infection takes a minimum of two or three days under [...] brown and ultimately dies. In cases of severe infection leaves may die within a few weeks. Because of the lack of leaf tissues, fruit maturity is hampered

Sugar cane

These are rich in sucrose and can reach heights of between two and six metres. The sucrose is extracted in mill factories to be processed into sugar or fermented [...] with the remainder made from sugar beet. As a tropical and subtropical crop, it requires plentiful rainfall for a period of more than six months per annum

Tobacco whitefly

symptoms The larvae of whitefly need a lot of protein for growth, and thus consume a large quantity of plant sap. This contains a high proportion of sugar, and [...] feeding on plant sap can affect the physiology of the plant, as a result of which growth is retarded. In full sunlight, leaves can wilt and fall. Such leaf [...] deposit their eggs. This is why on one leaf all different developmental stages can be found together. When shaking infested plants, adults will first fly, then

Obscure mealybug

affinis) originates from South America, but can now be found in many parts of the world with a temperate climate. It has a very similar appearance to the citrus [...] the males form a dark false pupa followed by a pupa in rapid succession. The actual pupa develops inside a white, cottony cocoon. After a complete metamorphosis [...] extract their nourishment from roots, whilst others are gall-formers. A few species can also transmit harmful viruses. Mealybugs inflict damage on the crop

Plant Health

Embracing a systems approach for sustainable agriculture Recognizing the negative impacts of food production, growers are transitioning to a more holistic [...] impact. In conclusion, by reestablishing a systems approach to agriculture and integrating natural methods, growers can enhance plant resilience, promote s [...] intricate soil food web play pivotal roles in maintaining optimal plant growth. A balanced metabolite profile, comprising primary and secondary metabolites,

Fall Armyworm

leaves, creating a characteristic windowing effect. This damage and moist sawdust-like frass near the funnel and upper leaves can be an easily spotted [...] humid evenings. Females lay their eggs in clusters of 150-200 and can lay up to 2000 eggs in a lifetime. Eggs are white, pinkish or light green and spherical [...] General The fall armyworm is a polyphagous pest that is indigenous throughout the Americas. Recently, it has been found in Africa too. The caterpillars

Biological seed treatment

biological seed treatment products can be divided into crop protection products (Cerall, Cedomon, Cedress), which have a clear effect against pests or diseases [...] that can include microbes like fungi and bacteria, as well as plant extracts and algae extracts. Biological substances are applied to the seed in a powder [...] microbials depending on the organism: Biological seed treatment acts as a biostimulant: a treated crop becomes stronger and grows better; The treatment enhances

Predatory insects

consume them. Ladybugs are known to be highly efficient predators, capable of consuming a significant number of aphids in a short period. Aphidalia, featuring [...] and feed on various harmful pests, helping to maintain a balanced ecosystem. Predatory bugs play a vital role in controlling whitefly , thrips , caterpillars [...] Gall midges play a beneficial role in natural pest control, particularly in controlling aphids and spider mites . Gall midges have a unique and interesting

Green peach aphid

native, however it is now a pest with a world-wide distribution. The green peach aphid ( Myzus persicae subsp. persicae ) is a particularly polyphagous [...] saliva can induce strong “allergic” reactions such as malformations of the growing tips. Life cycle and appearance of green peach aphid Aphids have a complex [...] persicae ) may be green, white-green, light yellow-green, grey-green, pink or red in colour. They appear matt, never glossy. Winged individuals have a brown-black

Impatiens thrips

serious the leaves themselves can shrivel. Echinothrips americanus is often found low in the crop. In sweet pepper the damage can be seen as discolouration of [...] mostly been able to spread as a consequence of the trade in foliage plants. Impatiens thrips (Echinothrips americanus) has a wide range of hosts. In addition