Nigeria, other African countries lose $200b to plant pests, diseases yearly

• 40% Of Crops Lost To Plant Pests, Diseases Yearly—FAO
• Contributes To Economic Losses In Sub-Saharan Africa—IITA
• UN Declares 2020 As International Year Of Plant Health
The United Nations General Assembly has declared year 2020 as the International Year of Plant Health (IYPH). This is aimed at raising global awareness on how protecting plant health can help end hunger, reduce poverty, protect the environment and boost economic development.
This has not only showed the importance attached to plants and food crops, but the urgent need to start conversations that will help promote understanding and awareness about the importance of plant health.Plant or crops provide 80 per cent of the food humans eat, plant also provide feeds for livestock, more importantly, plants provide the oxygen humans breath. However, the major threat plants face now is pest.
The Food and Agricultural Organisation (FAO) estimates that up to 40 percent of food crops are lost to plant pests and diseases yearly. These leave millions of people without enough food to eat and seriously damaging agriculture, which is the primary source of income for rural communities.

The Director of Plant Production & Health Management, International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA), Dr. David Chikoye, put the losses incurred yearly as a result of the plant pests and diseases, across Sub-Saharan Africa, at over $200b considered as a significant amount of money.One of the factors given by experts for the persistent spread of pests and diseases to new areas is the expanding international trade and travel, which increases the risk. Considering the huge economic losses incurred as a result of the challenge, coupled with the health challenges posed by continuous consumption of unhealthy plants, there is renewed vigour by stakeholders to key into the IYPH, by raising awareness and continuous efforts to protect plant health.So far, IITA appears to have taken the bull by the horn. The institute has undertaken researches with partners on plant health to ensure food and nutritional security and meet some of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).Specifically, the institute’s focus is on Fall Armyworm (FAW), and Aflatoxin, in which it has recorded breakthroughs, which have drastically reduced economic losses of farmers.FAW (Spodoptera frugiperda) is an insect pest of more than 80 plant species, causing damage to economically important cultivated cereals such as maize, rice, sorghum, and also to vegetable crops and cotton. It is native to tropical and subtropical regions. It is the larval stage of the insect that causes the damage. FAW reproduces at a rate of several generations per year, and the moth can fly up to 100 km per night. It is currently in 31 African countries.

Aflatoxins are poisonous carcinogens, produced by certain molds (Aspergillus flavus and Aspergillus parasiticus) which grow in soil, decaying vegetation, hay, and grains. They are regularly found in improperly stored staple commodities such as cassava, chili peppers, corn, cottonseed, millet, peanuts, rice, sesame seeds, sorghum, sunflower seeds, tree nuts, wheat, and a variety of spices. When contaminated food is processed, aflatoxins enter the general food supply where they have been found in both pet and human foods, as well as in feedstocks for agricultural animals.
Contaminated animals feed can pass aflatoxin transformation products into eggs, milk products, and meat. For example, contaminated poultry feed is suspected in the findings of high percentages of samples of aflatoxin contaminated chicken meat and eggs in the Indian subcontinent.
Children are particularly affected by aflatoxin exposure, which is associated with stunted growth, delayed development, liver damage and liver cancer, among others.Aflatoxin contaminates up to 65 per cent of maize and groundnut crops. More than 95 per cent of children under five in some countries have aflatoxin in their body signifying high exposure. It affects many other crops such as melon seeds and rice.
Support to Agricultural Research for Development of Strategic Crops in Africa (SARD-SC) Maize Commodity Specialist, Sam Ajala, who took journalists on field tour of the IITA experimental farms said the FAW was first noticed in Nigeria in 2016 but prevalent in 2017.He said: “The pests feed on the leaves, reducing the photosynthesis area. When the leaves are fully opened, they go into the stem, eat up the maize and cause economic losses. After much research, it was discovered that the specie of the pests are similar to the ones in Florida, which means it must have been brought into the country from there.
“Pesticides have been tested on the pests and they are not really working. It was discovered that if you are using a particular pesticide for a long time, the pests will resist it and it will not work again. Currently, we have succeeded in developing resistant maize breed that tolerates the pest.”
To combat the aflatoxin contamination, IITA and partners have developed an all-natural product, Aflasafe, which drastically reduces aflatoxin in crops. Aflasafe contains native non-toxic strains of Aspergillus flavus that out-compete toxin-producing ones when applied in the field.
When it is correctly applied and all facilitative conditions are met, farmers in several countries consistently achieve 80 to 100 per cent reduction in aflatoxin contamination in their maize and groundnut fields.One application of Aflasafe every cropping season, provides protection from aflatoxin in a cumulative manner, along with attendant health benefits.

A Plant Pathologist/Bacteriologist and consultant in IITA, Ibadan, Oyo State, Dr. Maria Ayodele said the major objective of the IYPH is to raise global awareness on how promoting plant health could help end hunger, reduce poverty, among others, explained that food security could only exist when all people at all times have access to sufficient, safe and nutritious food to meet their dietary needs and food for an active, healthy life.She said low crop yields were common in many developing countries and improved productivity was vital to reducing poverty and increasing food security.According to her, the causes of low productivity are complex, which includes the often-neglected issue of the importance of plant health in productivity and hence, in food security.“One major aspect of plant health, concerns crop losses due to pest, constraints, estimates of losses of 30 to 40 per cent of crop production annually are common.“Any future solution regarding improved global food security must address these losses. That means improving plant health of what we are currently producing,” she said.Ayodele further said that IITA had been involved and had good reputation on plant health management by taking measures, which included bio-control of cassava mealy bug, bio-pesticides, integrated stigma control and aflatoxin management.

Courtesy THE GUARDIAN

Benefits of Keeping Clean and Healthy Environment at Homes

Maintaining clean and healthy environment at homes by regularly taking cleaning measures and avoiding water blockages will be beneficial for residents of all ages. Although, young people have high tendency to resist the diseases, they may still be affected by the polluted environment. The cleanliness and having a healthy environment is more beneficial for the children (especially crawlers) and for the senior citizens.

The baby crawlers have more tendencies to get the infections from the floor germs. The cleaning measures if adopted regularly will minimize this risk. In addition, as the time progresses after youth and people start to attain maturity in their ages, their tendency to fight germs and diseases minimizes.

A clean environment is also healthy and is thus beneficial for the children and mature persons as well as the young people. A neat, clean and tidy house is the key to have a healthy family. So, in order to protect your parents and children from diseases, adopt the policy of cleaning your homes on regular basis and avoid water blockages for germs and viruses to grow.

Adopting a clean environment at homes also helps to save your money as it protects insects and germs entering your homes. It will certainly result in healthier people at your homes. Thus, the money spent on medicines to cure diseases and fees paid to the doctors will be low

Some people make the mistake of associating the term “Cost” with commercial cleaning. In fact, it should be recognized as an investment if its benefits are to be counted. Sometimes, it requires guts and convincing power to explain executives of a company know the benefits of clean environment and to assure them it pays many times more than the money is incurred to achieve this in many ways like

• ·         A clean and healthy environment will definitely result in a workforce with improved health. This will certainly minimize the average number of sick leaves per employee within a company thereby improving productivity.
• ·         A neat and clean workplace is a nice tool for marketing whether in terms of clients, selling the building or lease space.
• ·         The neat and clean workplaces are less exposed to employee accidents and injuries as a result of slips and falls. A cleaner workplace is safe for the employees and therefore meets the international safety standards.
• ·         A clean and healthy environment minimizes the stress and provides a positive outlook on the working environment.
• ·         A regular cleaning process may improve the life of assets of a company i.e.; the carpets, equipment, tiles, floors, and furniture etc.
• ·         A nice and clean workplace is a nice tool to attain value as occupants will feel nice and better to stay there. Therefore, employees are encouraged to hard work and indulge in team efforts collectively.

It is even thought by some of the experts that commercial cleaning should be under the health industry as it is the only industry by far to have strongly acknowledged the importance of keeping a clean and healthy environment at workplaces. The other commercial units, only link cleaning benefits to the physical appearance. However, in fact, if the correct relationship is built on cleanliness, its impact on employee’s attendance, customer satisfaction, and employees productivity, no one will ever think of cutting the cleaning budgets.

For more information on How to Clean Your Environment:

visit our website at https://ng.linkedin.com › somplus-limited-0a9aaa145

 Email:somplus2007@yahoo.com

            somplusltd1@gmail.com

Telephone: 08032001798, 07056777850, 08020354210.

                       

Importance of Living in a Clean and Healthy Environment

     

A clean and healthy environment is essential for the growth and survival of Wild Life, fruits, vegetables and other species under water. All of them are being negatively impacted as a result of pollution and change of climate due to human activities. There are a loss and degradation of the habitat as a result of polluted activities. We use them to fulfill our several different needs like food, water, shelter, breathing and other necessities. Providing harm to one particular organism, in a chain reaction, it will certainly put a negative impact on us. The greater the diversity on earth, the greater is the chances of survival for humans.

The components of the clean environment are clean water, air, energy, and land. I bet that one who gets familiar to the importance of having a clean environment will definitely focus on adopting, promoting and maintaining a clean and healthy environment at homes, offices, public places and to say the least, wherever he goes. This article puts an insight into the importance of having a clean environment by addressing various advantages. Maintaining a clean and healthy environment for the sustainability of humans is essential at both the domestic and industrial levels.

In addition, there are several species which have been totally demolished and no more exist and there are many which are on the verge of becoming so. To avoid such circumstances, and for the survival of these species, it is required to change our living patterns. These species are not only the beauty of life but in fact are vital for many reasons in biodiversity. Their survival is somehow linked to the benefit of the human beings whether directly or indirectly.

For more information on how to clean Your Environment:

visit our website at https://ng.linkedin.com › somplus-limited-0a9aaa145

 Email:somplus2007@yahoo.com

            somplusltd1@gmail.com

Telephone: 08032001798, 07056777850, 08020354210

            

DISEASES CAUSED BY UNCLEAN ENVIRONMENT

The four main diseases influenced by poor environments are diarrhoea, lower respiratory infections, various forms of unintentional injuries, and malaria. Measures which could be taken now to reduce this environmental disease burden include the promotion of safe household water storage and better hygienic measures; the use of cleaner and safer fuels; increased safety of the built environment, more judicious use and management of toxic substances in the home and workplace; better water resource management.

Diseases with the largest total annual health burden from environmental factors, in terms of death, illness and disability or Disability Adjusted Life Years (DALYs)¹ are:

1. Diarrhoea: Cause by largely from unsafe water, sanitation and hygiene
2. Lower respiratory infections: Largely from air pollution, indoor and outdoor.
3. Malaria: Largely as a result of poor water resource, housing and land use management which fails to curb vector populations effectively.
4. Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary disease (COPD) -- a slowly progressing disease characterized by a gradual loss of lung function. Largely as a result of exposures to workplace dusts and fumes and other forms of indoor and outdoor air pollution.
5. Perinatal conditions:Most of the same environmentally-triggered diseases also rank as the biggest killers outright -- although they rank somewhat differently in order of lethality. Diseases with the largest absolute number of deaths annually from modifiable environmental factors (these are all parts of the environment amenable to change using available technologies, policies, preventive and public health measure). These diseases include: 

For more information on How to Clean Your Environment:

visit our website at https://ng.linkedin.com › somplus-limited-0a9aaa145

 Email:somplus2007@yahoo.com

       somplusltd1@gmail.com

Telephone: 08032001798, 07056777850, 08020354210

Lung Diseases Cause by Unclean Environment

Any substance other than air that is breathed into the lungs has the potential to cause damage to these organs. For example, air pollution and unclean Environment. Examples of lung diseases include:

• Asthma (AZ-ma), a condition in which breathing is difficult, affects millions of Americans. Environmental triggers for asthma are everywhere and include naturally occurring triggers such as animal dander, plant pollen, dust, and mold, and manmade triggers such as chemicals. Not everyone is sensitive to these triggers, but many people are sensitive to some of them.
• Black lung disease is an illness in which coal miners' lungs become coated with coal dust, causing a chronic condition in which breathing becomes difficult and painful.
• Silicosis (sil-i-KO-sis) is a lung disease caused by exposure to the silica dust in clay. Pottery workers are at risk of developing this disease.

   For more information on How to Clean Your Environment:

    visit our website at https://ng.linkedin.com › somplus-limited-0a9aaa145

     Email:somplus2007@yahoo.com

                 somplusltd1@gmail.com

    Telephone: 08032001798, 07056777850, 08020354210.

Cleaning Reduces Environmental Risks

Cleaning Reduces Environmental Risks, Enables Sanitation
Sanitary conditions are where the risk of adverse health effects is low or acceptable.[11] Effective cleaning reduces exposures to hazardous matter, thereby reducing risks while contributing to a sanitary state.

                    
Indoor environments are readily manageable, unlike ambient environments where the causes of pollution and its control are complex. Built environments can be designed, operated and maintained to suit their inhabitants’ needs.

We need to better understand the influence natural and manmade environments have on our health. Once we do, it becomes apparent that effective management, especially in the form of cleaning, is the key to removing unwanted by-products and reducing serious health risks.

Adverse effects, while harder to define, usually are described as conditions we will pay to control or correct, such as health, comfort and property values. On a micro-scale, environmental change is part of natural evolution. Adverse macro-change in built environments due to human activity, however, is preventable through effective management, mainly cleaning.

For more information on How to Clean Your Environment:

 visit our website at https://ng.linkedin.com › somplus-limited-0a9aaa145

 Email:somplus2007@yahoo.com

            somplusltd1@gmail.com

Telephone: 08032001798, 07056777850, 08020354210.

                                                   

How You can get rid of Rodents

Rats and mice have babies often, so it is important to find and get rid of them quickly and efficiently. Even if you do not see an actual rodent, the size and shape of the droppings can tell you if it is a mouse or rat. It is important to know what pest you are trying to get rid of as there are different control methods for the different rodents. Mouse droppings are approximately 6 mm (1/4 inch) long and oval shaped. Roof rat droppings are about 13 mm (1/2 inch) long with pointed ends and Norway rat droppings are about 19mm (3/4 inch) long with blunt ends.

The best way to get rid of rats or mice is by using traps. If using spring loaded traps for rats, bait three of them in a row without setting them. Bait with dried fruit, peanut butter mixed with oats, or cheese. Set the traps at ‘right angles’ (90 degrees) to the walls where the rodents are known to travel, with the bait side of the trap toward the wall. When the rodents get use to feeding, set the traps. Make sure the bait is securely attached to the trip pedal so the trap springs when the food is removed.

Once you capture a rodent, make sure not to touch it with your bare hands. Wear gloves when handling a dead rodent and the trap. Double bag the dead rat or mouse, seal the bags, and then bury, burn, or place the bags in the trash, according to local by-laws. The trap can be reset if gloves are worn.

For more information

For more information, visit our website at https://ng.linkedin.com › somplus-limited-0a9aaa145

 Email:somplus2007@yahoo.com

            somplusltd1@gmail.com

Telephone: 08032001798, 07056777850, 08020354210.

                                     

How to prevent Rodents from living on Your property

There are steps you can take to prevent rodents on your property.

1. Eliminate food and water sources:

• Keep all garbage in pest proof containers with tight fitting lids.
• Follow good composting practices for rodent control.
• Do not throw food scraps into backyard compost without covering them. 
• Use lime.
• Rotate compost.
• Have a pest proof compost container.
• Remove fallen fruit and nuts from your yard.
• Remove pet food right after feeding and do not leave it outside overnight.

• Clean out waste and food from pet pens and enclosures.
• Equip bird feeders with trays and clean spilled seeds often.
• Repair any plumbing leaks to remove a water source.
• Cover pools and whirlpools when not in use.

2. Eliminate hiding and living places:

• Keep building perimeters clear of plantings, stored lumber or junk.
• Trim plants near buildings so that 15 to 20 cm (6 to 8 inches) above ground is clear. Trim branches of trees or shrubs to prevent access to roofs or balconies.
• Remove unused piles of lumber and old sheds.
• Do not store old cars or furniture outside.
• Store lumber and firewood on stands 30 cm to 45 cm (12 to 18 inches) off the ground.

3. Pest proof buildings:

• Cover crawl spaces, fresh air and attic vents with 6mm (1/4 inch) metal screening or steel mesh.
• Seal any possible entry points in the building exterior that are greater than 6mm (1/4 inch). Pay close attention to door jams and gaps between the siding and the house foundation. If you have roof rats don’t forget to check for holes in areas of the roof.
• Repair cracks in cement footings and foundations.
• Build sheds on concrete slabs

For more information:

https://ng.linkedin.com › somplus-limited-0a9aaa145

 Email:somplus2007@yahoo.com

            somplusltd1@gmail.com

Telephone: 08032001798, 07056777850, 08020354210.

Five Ways to Clean Up Areas Where Rodents have Been

1. Wipe up droppings, nesting materials and other waste with a paper towel and place in a plastic garbage bag. Do not sweep or vacuum.
2.  Prevent stirring up dust when you are cleaning areas where mice have lived. This includes ventilating any enclosed area for 30 minutes and wetting down the area with household disinfectant before you start. Most general purpose disinfectants and household detergents are effective. A mixture of 1 part bleach and 10 parts water can also be used. Pour mixture carefully onto the area to avoid disturbing any virus present—do not use a sprayer. Double bag the contents, seal the bags, and then bury, burn, or place the bags in the trash, according to local by-laws.

3. Clean floors, carpets, clothing and bedding, and disinfect counter-tops, cabinets and drawers that have been in contact with mice.

4.  Wash rubber gloves with disinfectant or soap and water before removing them. Wash your hands with soap and water after removing gloves.

5.  During clean-up, make sure to wear an appropriate, well-fitting filter mask, rubber gloves and goggles. For more information on appropriate masks contact your local public health unit or environmental health officer.

For more information:

https://ng.linkedin.com › somplus-limited-0a9aaa145

 Email:somplus2007@yahoo.com

            somplusltd1@gmail.com

Telephone: 08032001798, 07056777850, 08020354210.

                                     

Soil Fumigant Market : Understanding the Key Product Segments and their Future 2016 – 2024

Soil fumigants play a significant role in agriculture, nursery, and turf grass. Soil fumigation provides benefits to both farmers and food consumers. Fumigation is a pest control technique, wherein the land is filled with gaseous fumigants in to order to disinfect the land. Soil fumigants are applied prior to crop plantation to eliminate pests present in the soil. Soil fumigants target soil-borne pests, including nematodes, fungi, bacteria, weeds, and insects. These are used for tomato, potato, carrot, and strawberry, among various others fruits and vegetables. Fumigant, when applied to the soil, instantly converts into gas and forms a protection layer around the root. This in turn protects the crop from harmful pathogens present in the soil.

Planning to lay down strategy for the next few years? Our report can help shape your plan better.

Fumigant products provide significant sustainable and cost-effective solutions in the agriculture industry to increase plant yields irrespective of geography. Fumigants are helpful in resolving problems caused by one or more pathogens. For instance, fumigant can control pathogens such as nutsedge (a weed) and root rot (phytophthora) in tomatoes. Commonly used fumigants are methyl bromide, chloropicrin, methyl iodide, 1,3-dichloropropene (1,3-D), dimethyl disulfide, dazomet, metam sodium, and metam potassium. Companies operating in this segment are striving to develop different products containing different ingredients to restrict the growth of various pathogens. Major advantages of soil fumigants are protection of plants from numerous pathogens and increased crop yield. Rising demand for food across the world over the past few years has fueled demand for soil fumigants.

To obtain all-inclusive information on forecast analysis of global market, request a PDF brochure here.

The soil fumigant market is driven by high frequency of crop diseases and growing demand for food in both developed and developing nations. Rise in per hector production to meet food demand has led to high demand for soil fumigants. The environmental protection law in the U.S. and Europe will hinder the usage of soil fumigants in the next few years. Methyl bromide is one of the most commonly used soil fumigants; however, the usage of methyl bromide was restricted owing to its ozone depletion properties. Increasing in preference for organic food will boost demand for soil fumigants. Furthermore, innovative production practices without harming crop yield will increase demand for soil fumigants globally.

The soil fumigant market in Asia Pacific is expected to witness strong growth owing to high economic growth and rising demand for food. Developing countries such as China and India would play a vital role in the soil fumigant market due to increased demand for food driven by the rising population. North America is likely to be the second-largest market, followed by Europe, due to stringent regulations on chemicals used in agriculture. Moreover, countries in Africa, South America, and the Middle East have experienced rapid economic and industrial growth in the past few years. These factors are likely to create a favorable environment for the growth of the global soil fumigant market.

For more actionable insights into the competitive landscape of global market, get a customized report here.

Key manufacturing companies operating in the soil fumigant market are Bayer CropScience AG, AMVAC Chemical Corporation, Trinity Manufacturing, Inc., Arkema, BASF SE, Chemtura Corporation, Syngenta AG, Arysta LifeScience Limited, Great Lakes Solutions, The Dow Chemical Company, and Novozymes. Companies are striving to develop innovative solutions in the soil fumigant market to meet the changing needs of growers. Therefore, the global soil fumigant market is expected to experience strong growth in the next few years.

The report offers a comprehensive evaluation of the market. It does so via in-depth qualitative insights, historical data, and verifiable projections about market size. The projections featured in the report have been derived using proven research methodologies and assumptions. By doing so, the research report serves as a repository of analysis and information for every facet of the market, including but not limited to: Regional markets, technology, types, and applications.

Courtesy:Transparency Market Research

BEE ATTACK

                             

Do you know that the best way to respond to a bee attack is to run more than 100 yards from the hive? This is because they only really have a certain territory that they feel they have to protect around their nest, and once you’ve exited that territory successfully, they pretty much do leave you alone. So, if you ever do find yourself getting swarmed, … run 100 yards pretty much in any direction. You can also call somplus Ltd to get rid of the bee nest.