A lag in the advancement of biotechnology: reliable control of maize stem borers in Africa
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...
Main Authors: | , , , , , |
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Format: | Article |
Language: | English |
Published: |
Polish Academy of Sciences
2018-03-01
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Series: | Journal of Plant Protection Research |
Subjects: | |
Online Access: | https://doi.org/10.24425/119117 |
Summary: | 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. |
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ISSN: | 1899-007X 1899-007X |