Archive for January, 2019
Striped bodypainting protects against horseflies
A study by researchers from Sweden and Hungary has shown that white, painted stripes on the body protect skin from insect bites. Among indigenous peoples who wear body-paint, the markings thus provide a certain protection against insect-borne diseases. Most indigenous communities who paint their bodies live in areas where there is an abundance of bloodsucking […]
Hyperspectral drones the main attraction
Drones Synergies 2018, a global conference combined with capacity building workshops took place in November 2018 at the Zayed University in Dubai. The aim of the two-day event was to see application of latest drone technologies in different fields, particularly in precision agriculture, food security, environmental and natural resource management. The event, which was attended […]
Small farmer support
Bayer and the S M Sehgal Foundation (SMSF) – a non-profit organisation supporting smallholder farmers in India – have announced the “Sustainability of Agriculture and Smallholder Development” project. The aim of the project is to improve farmers’ incomes by introducing them to easy-to-learn-and-adopt best agronomic practices. The project in 25 villages in Rajasthan, a state […]
Uzbekistan declared malaria free
When Uzbekistan earned WHO certification as malaria free, it was a major achievement in global health that demonstrates what is possible when partners coordinate preventive efforts, the Global Fund said today. “It’s an extraordinary outcome,” said Peter Sands, Executive Director of the Global Fund. “We applaud Uzbekistan’s success, and we are delighted that the Global […]
MEPs propose blueprint to improve Eu approval procedure
An insect capable of parasitising the Asian stink bug has been identified by Bioplanet. It is not an exotic antagonist but is already present in Europe and therefore it does not need to go through all the processes required before an exotic species can be introduced. Plans to boost trust in the EU approval procedure […]
First international berry seminar
 In October 2018 Biobest Mexico was proud to stage the first International Berry Seminar in the state of Jalisco – right at the heart of this rapidly growing sector in Mexican horticulture. In this region, berry cultivation takes place on more than 6,000ha. Major international companies – including Driscoll´s and Hortifrut – are focusing their […]
France says no to metam-sodium
Plant protection products containing metam-sodium are used in market gardening and horticulture to disinfect the soil. Following the substance’s approval at European level, ANSES (the French Agency for Food, Environmental and Occupational Health & Safety) reassessed the dossiers and notified the companies concerned of its intention to withdraw all marketing authorisations for metam-sodium products. ANSES […]
The persistence of pesticides threatens European soils
A study by researchers from the Diverfarming project has found pesticide residues in the soils of eleven European countries in six different cropping systems. The use of phytosanitary projects to combat weeds and other pests that affect the crops has led to an increase in the productivity of European agricultural crops in the last 50 […]
