Major Bristol University project will tackle devastating plant diseases in Africa
The University of Bristol has been awarded £2m to lead a major new project aiming to tackle the devastation caused by vector-borne plant diseases in Africa.
These destructive diseases are transmitted by aphids, beetles, whitefly and other insects which move amongst vegetation, causing significant problems for smallholder farmers in Sub-Saharan Africa, who rely on growing crops to feed their families.
The plant viruses impact heavily on the production of staple and cash crops such as cassava, sweet potato, maize and yam, which in turn leads to food insecurity, malnutrition and poverty.
“All of which hinder economic and social development” explains project director, professor Gary Foster.
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