This article is one in a series outlining the 20 research projects which are funded by CONNECTED in its pump-prime funding programme. To real all available articles use this link.

Developing biopesticides against whitefly

A project investigating whether whitefly control methods can be used against cassava whitefly to improve cassava production

The most important viruses causing diseases affecting cassava crops in Sub-Saharan Africa are spread by the whitefly Bemisia tabaci. Sustainable methods of cassava whitefly management are urgently needed.

Entomopathogenic fungi (EPF) biopesticides are used successfully for whitefly Bemisia tabaci management on some crops, but they have not been investigated in detail against cassava whitefly. This project aims to begin doing this, providing baseline data.

The work involves a combination of specialist laboratory techniques and field surveys in Nigeria, Tanzania and Uganda.

Countries

  • Tanzania
  • Nigeria
  • Uganda
  • UK

International research collaboration

  • International Institute of Tropical Agriculture, Tanzania
  • Wesley University Ondo, Nigeria
  • National Crops Resources Research Institute, Uganda
  • University of Warwick

People

  • David Chandler (Principal Investigator)
  • James Legg
  • Gill Prince
  • Everlyne Wosula
  • Aregbesola Oluwatosin
  • Michael Otim

Network members can find further details about those involved in the project by logging in to this site as a member, and using theĀ Member Directory.

To become a network member free of charge, use this link.