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Pests of Field Crops in Southern Africa |
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About the Author |
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I have spent some twenty years working with pests of agriculture in Zimbabwe, and during this time have written many “popular” articles for people working in the sector. I have often been asked by students of agriculture, farmers and field extension staff within the southern African region where they can find information on the more common pests of field crops and I decided that this would be the most useful and accessible way in which to present it. The information has been gathered by myself over the years for the above-mentioned articles, both from existing literature (formally published and unpublished) and from my own research and observations in the field.
It is difficult to include specific notes on chemical control of the many pests, because this is a constantly changing aspect, subject to legislation within each country. Nevertheless, I have listed, where possible, some of the chemical options, and I would hope that the reader would handle this information with responsibility.
A BSc in entomology and botany from the University of Natal, Pietermaritzburg and an MSc in Tropical Entomology provided the basis for my career as an entomologist.
I am very grateful for the experience that I have gained working as a Research Entomologist with the Plant Protection Research Institute (Dept of Research and Specialist Services, Min of Agriculture, Zimbabwe), Entomologist with Windmill Fertilizers Pvt Ltd, and latterly as Entomologist, Technical Team, The Commercial Farmers Union of Zimbabwe.
Diana Taylor |