Assessing performance of simplified bioassays for soil-borne pathogens in smallholder systems of western Kenya.

ABSTRACT:

Introduction

Soil-borne pathogens cause considerable crop losses and food insecurity in smallholder systems of sub-Saharan Africa. Soil and crop testing is critical for estimating pathogen inoculum levels and potential for disease development, understanding pathogen interactions with soil nutrient and water limitations, as well as for developing informed soil health and disease management decisions. However, formal laboratory analyses and diagnostic services for pathogens are often out of reach for smallholder farmers due to the high cost of testing and a lack of local laboratories.

Methods

To address this challenge, we assessed the performance of a suite of simplified soil bioassays to screen for plant parasitic nematodes (e.g., Meloidogyne, Pratylenchus) and

SUBMITTER: Mutai JC 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11360875 | biostudies-literature | 2024

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature