Empowering plant protection agencies to combat devastating potato pest in Africa

IITA–CGIAR is empowering National Plant Protection organizations in Africa to effectively detect and manage Potato Cyst Nematodes (PCN), a microscopic pest devastating potato crops across the region.

Nematodes are tiny worms that attack potato roots, stunting their growth and can wipe out potato yields by up to 100 percent.

PCN has been reported to be highly prevalent in four countries in East and Southern Africa, a quarantine pest that infects and feeds on potato roots, causing significant yield losses and threatening regional trade due to strict border phytosanitary controls. However, research has shown that early detection and management are critical to protecting farmer livelihoods and regional potato markets.

A World Trade Organization (WTO)’s Standards and Trade Development Facility project coordinated by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) involving technical training spearheaded by the IITA-CGIAR and ICIPE through the NemAfrica lab is designed to equip national plant protection agencies in 12 countries with cutting-edge diagnostic tools and management strategies to tackle the PCN threat.

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