Biopesticide against major cabbage pest in West Africa: A biopesticide to control a major cabbage pest is being tested in West Africa

摘要

West African farmers who grow cabbages will soon have a new tool to protect their crop against a major pest - the Diamondback Moth (DBM), Plutella xylostella. Scientists at the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA), in Benin, have successfully developed and field tested a biopesticide based on Beauveria bassiana, a fungus, against the pest. For years, DBM has been devastating both smallholder and commercial cabbage farms in the region, affecting farmers' incomes and market prices ofthe crop.