Human activities are the no. 1 contributors to globalizing plant pests

If there is anything the deadly COVID-19 pandemic has taught us, it is that diseases do not know boundaries and humans are responsible for carrying and spreading diseases from person to person. This is also true for several plant pests. Humans are the leading carriers of the intercontinental spread of plant pests and diseases – a fact that was established and documented almost 300 years ago. Before you deny and vehemently protest, read on. Do you remember the cassava, yam, sweet potato, plantain or avocado you carried with you the last time you travelled, because, “I do not like those people’s food, it is not delicious!” Or that beautiful flower you brought from your Europe or Africa-wide tour? Well, it could have harboured a pest, which you inadvertently boarded the plane or bus with and helped in spreading. But this story is not to crucify you and make you feel guilty. 

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