Chitedze

Broadly, integrated field disease management (IPM) is the use of various compatible strategies to manage diseases below levels that can cause economic loss of a produce. Thus, this team carries out research on strategies which enhance disease management of various crops. The team also provides technical and advisory services on disease management strategies to the farming communities.

Broad area of research and service

(i) effects of cultural and crop management on the incidence of diseases,
(ii) screening crop varieties for resistance to diseases,
(iii) yield loss assessments due to diseases in legumes, vegetables and roots and tubers,
(iv) studies on the disease status, alternative hosts and distribution of various crops,
(v) evaluation of chemical and biological control of various diseases, and
(iv) effect of cultural and crop management practices on the incidence of nematodes.

Main activities
The main activities include:
(i) providing advisory services on disease control,
(ii) screening crop plants for resistance or tolerance to diseases and nematodes,
(iii) developing control measures for major diseases and nematodes, and
(iv) providding advisory services on nematode control.

Major achievements
(i) identified crop varieties resistant to some diseases, and
(ii) recommended pest control measures for various field crop plants.