A lag in the advancement of biotechnology: reliable control of maize stem borers in Africa
Journal Title: Journal of Plant Protection Research - Year 2018, Vol 58, Issue 1
Abstract
The future of food security in Africa is being severely threatened due to an exponential increase in population, which is almost three times the increase of food production. Maize production is constrained by stem borers which cause significant yield losses. Yield losses can be further compounded by higher temperatures due to climate changes, which are expected to increase the population of maize stem borers. While several methods have been employed in stem borer management, there is still significant damage caused by maize stem borers. This necessitates better control methods including the adoption of recent biotechnological advancement in RNA interference (RNAi) technology. This review highlights evidence of an increase in the stem borer population as well as the foreseen decline in maize production worldwide due to the effects of climatic changes. Furthermore, we have drawn attention to improved methods that have been used to control stem borers in maize production as well as a reluctant acceptance of traditional biotechnology in Africa. Finally, we suggest the application of alternative RNA interference techniques to breed maize for efficient pest control in order to achieve food security, improve nutrition and promote sustainable maize production.
Authors and Affiliations
Adeyinka Olawale Samuel, Bushra Tabbassum, Muhammad Nauman Sharif, Muhammad Umar Bhatti, Idrees Ahmad Nasir, Tayyab Husnain
Keywords
Related Articles
- EP ID EP514890
- DOI 10.24425/119117
- Views 85
- Downloads 0
Evaluation of resistance and the role of some defense responses in wheat cultivars to Fusarium head blight
Fusarium graminearum and F. culmorum are the causal agents of Fusarium head blight (FHB) in cereal crops worldwide. Application of resistant cultivars is the most effective and economic method for management of FHB and r...
Application of organic waste material overgrown with Trichoderma atroviride as a control strategy for Sclerotinia sclerotiorum and Chalara thielavioides in soil
The effect of granulated organic waste material overgrown with Trichoderma atroviride TRS25 on the survival of Sclerotinia sclerotiorum and Chalara thielavioides in the soil was investigated. Application of this material...
Geographic distribution of Fusarium culmorum chemotypes associated with wheat crown rot in Iraq
Fusarium crown rot (FCR) is an important disease of wheat and other grains that has had a significant impact on cereal crop production worldwide. Fusarium species associated with FCR can also produce powerful trichothece...
The first record of a potential pest Orientus ishidae (Matsumura, 1902) (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae) in Poland
This study provides the first data on the occurrence of the mosaic leafhopper Orientus ishidae (Matsumura, 1902) (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae) in Poland. This species is native to Southeast Asia, adventive in Europe and feed...
Effects of Artemisia annua methanolic extract on the enzymatic components of intermediary metabolism and the antioxidant system of Pseudococcus viburni Signoret
Toxicity and physiological alterations were determined in Pseudococcus viburni nymphs treated with Artemisia annua methanolic extract. The leaf dipping bioassay showed LC50 values of 0.287% and 0.194% 24 and 48 hours pos...