- Target:
- National Biosafety Authority
- Region:
- Ghana
Why do we need Pod Borer-Resistant (PBR)
Cowpea?
Farmers and scientists in Africa identified Legume Pod Borer (Maruca vitrata) as one of the most damaging insect pests limiting cowpea production.
The damage caused by the pod borer to cowpea plants reduces the size and quality of the cowpea harvest. It can reduce grain yield by up to 80%.
Farmers typically spray pesticides up to 6 - 10 times within a planting season in an attempt to control this insect pest. Farmers currently rely on the use of
chemical pesticides to control this and other pests, but this is often not effective because the chemicals do not reach the pest larvae inside the plant tissues.
The chemicals are also expensive, their availability to farmers is limited, and due to inadequate training in their use, often lead to unintended human health
and safety impacts. A cowpea product that can protect itself from Legume Podborer damage will make it easier and cheaper for farmers to produce
cowpeas in areas where this pest is a problem.
We, the undersigned scientists working in the various institutions (Universities, research, agencies) in Ghana, call on the National Biosafety Authority (NBA) in Ghana to as a matter of urgency undertake the following:
1. Approve the Pod Borer Resistant Cowpea developed by researchers at the Savanna Agricultural Research Institute
BECAUSE:
1. We are confident and in full support of the works of the SARI scientists and we are aware that the new cowpea variety will increase yield, reduce the use of chemical sprays on the environment and help farmers improve their income
2. The gene used in the modification has been in use for over 25 years and has no history of harm to humans or the environment
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The Ghanaian Scientists Support Pod Borer Resistant Cowpea petition to National Biosafety Authority was written by Anonymous and is in the category Environment at GoPetition.