Integrated management of arthropod pests of cassava: the case of Southeast Asia

Description

High-yielding varieties and improved agronomy have led to substantial increases in cassava crop productivity throughout Southeast Asia; however, in recent years, those advances are being jeopardized by recurrent outbreaks of several non-native arthropod pests and (insect-vectored) pathogens. In this chapter, we provide an up-to-date account of recently-arrived invasive pests that are impacting Asia’s cassava crops and are having substantial repercussion for cassava crop production in multiple Asian countries. We indicate how both invasive insects, secondary pest outbreaks and insect-vectored diseases are becoming of increasing importance in several of Asia’s prime cassava-growing areas. We describe country-specific and regional mitigation programs and responses of local farmers to escalating pest outbreaks, listing both curative and preventative management tactics. We outline future opportunities for Integrated Pest Management (IPM) and arthropod biological control, and lay the basis for multi-disciplinary efforts to safeguard the long-term productivity, sustainability and agro-ecosystem health of one of Asia’s primary agricultural commodities.

Table of contents

1 Introduction 2 Cassava pests in Southeast Asia 3 Guidelines for non-chemical pest management 4 Future trends and conclusion 5 Where to look for further information 6 Acknowledgements 7 References