Building a bridge to improved food security in DPR Korea through integrated pest management.

Abstract

Agriculture is crucial for the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK), involving approximately 50% of the economically active population and contributing an estimated 25% to the gross national product. However, agricultural production has remained low due to soil degradation and pest damage in cabbage and maize (particularly due to lepidopteron pests), amongst other reasons. To help improve productivity and address food security issues, CABI has been working in DPRK since 2002 to introduce integrated pest management (IPM). This is a sustainable approach combining cultural, biological and chemical control methods to provide stable yields and long-term reduction in pesticide use. By integrating IPM into agricultural production, as well as into extension and education in DPRK, higher yields for staple crops, such as maize and cabbage, have been achieved and communities protected from the short-and long-term effects of harmful chemical pesticides. Sustained support and facilitation from CABI to national research institutions has also helped to strengthen capacity, so that further IPM can be developed across the country. Whilst the initiative initially focused on technical interventions, including the introduction of biocontrol-using Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) biopesticides and Trichogramma wasps-CABI's approach changed over time. In order to scale up successful interventions in the field, CABI recognised that it needed to develop a broader approach. This involved training with: • technicians-to produce the biocontrol agent; • extension workers-to introduce participatory approaches for the training of farmers in IPM practices; • farmers-to apply the biocontrol method and other IPM tools.

Distribution and fixed-precision sampling plans for diamondback moth (Lepidoptera: Plutellidae), on winter–spring cabbage

“…In the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa, cabbage diseases and many insect pest species are prevalent during summer, cabbage in small-scale production systems (Stemele 2016). However, higher yield losses between 40% and 51% have been reported elsewhere (Grossrieder et al 2005, Ayalew 2006). In response to the risks of severe crop losses, many farmers rely on calendar and prophylactic sprays using a wide range of chemical insecticides.…”