In Kenya, potatoes (Solanum tuberosum), is the second most important staple food crop after maize, and a cornerstone of global food security. It is under threat from root-knot nematodes (Meloidogyne spp.), microscopic soil-borne pests, which can severely impact potato yields. This compounds food security in a region where potatoes provide sustenance and livelihoods for millions of people.
To address this, a groundbreaking study offers hope, in the form of a biodegradable innovation—banana fibre paper.
The study, an evaluation of the effectiveness of a lignocellulose fibre matrix – banana paper – for the management of root-knot nematodes on potatoes entitled: “Efficacy of banana fiber paper for the management of the root-knot nematode, Meloidogyne incognita, on potato (Solanum tuberosum) in Kenya”, was carried out in pot and field trials over two consecutive cropping seasons.
During the study, seed potatoes were wrapped in banana paper either impregnated with the nematicide abamectin or soaked with a biologically based nematicide – Trichoderma asperellum (Real Trichoderma®).
This led to the suppression of root-knot nematode densities by up to 87% in the field, and up to 86% in pots, resulting in over 3-fold yield increases in the field.
This novel technology, first developed at North Carolina State University, USA, where it is referred to as ‘Wrap & Plant’, presents a practical option for nematode management in potato under the resource-limited conditions in sub-Saharan Africa. It also offers potential for the targeted management of other soil-borne diseases.
Kenya’s potato productivity lags significantly behind its potential. With pests, such as root-knot nematodes, combined with limited access to sustainable pest control options, researchers are developing solutions that can address major contributors to this decline.
Using banana fibre paper impregnated with chemical or biological nematicides, researchers at NemAfrica, the joint IITA–CGIAR and International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology (icipe) nematology and soil health research lab based at icipe in Kenya, are testing its impact as a sustainable pest control technique together with many other partners. By enclosing potato seed tubers within banana fibre paper, which gradually releases nematicides as it deteriorates in the soil, remarkable improvements in crop protection and yield can be experienced. The unique lignocellulose matrix of banana fibre enables the application of much lower pesticide dosages, by up to 500 times compared to recommended rates, cutting costs and environmental risks. Additionally, the biologically based Trichoderma option provides for a much more environmentally sustainable alternative to synthetic chemicals. By addressing both crop productivity and environmental concerns, this research breakthrough offers a scalable, sustainable path to agricultural resilience. The innovation could revolutionize pest management in resource-limited regions for more than just potatoes, providing a multipurpose crop protection tool. On going research is also refining the method into a more user-friendly pouch system for large-scale adoption. It offers a practical, cost-effective, and environmentally friendly tool, addressing food security and increasing income for smallholder farmers in resource-limited settings.
Contributed by ’Timilehin Osunde and Danny Coyne
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