Representatives from nine member countries of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) got a closer look at the horticultural practices and policies of Taiwan during the 12th Steering Committee Meeting of the ASEAN-AVRDC Regional Network for Vegetable Research and Development (AARNET), held 23-25 May 2017 at World Vegetable Center headquarters. --MORE--
Surveys were conducted in 2014 and 2015 in Southern and Northern Benin, respectively, to identify the viruses infecting peppers (Capsicum spp.). The samples were screened by ELISA for cucumber mosaic virus (CMV), pepper veinal mottle virus (PVMV), potato virus Y (PVY) and tomato yellow leaf curl virus (TYLCV). A generic reverse transcription PCR (RT-PCR) was used to test for the presence of poleroviruses. ELISA tests confirmed the prevalence of all viruses, while the RT-PCR detected pepper vein yellows virus (PeVYV) which is reported for the first time in Benin. A further, divergent polerovirus isolate was detected from a single pepper sample originating from southern Benin. Screening of samples collected from solanaceous plants during virus surveys in Mali (conducted in 2009) also detected this divergent polerovirus isolate in two samples from African eggplants. The complete genome sequence was obtained from the Mali isolate using transcriptome sequencing and by conventional Sanger sequencing of overlapping RT-PCR products. Based on the sequence characteristics of this isolate we propose a new polerovirus species, African eggplant yellowing virus (AeYV).
This paper analyses governance structures in Uganda’s smallholder pig value chains by applying the New Institutional Economics framework. It utilises cross sectional and qualitative survey data from randomly selected pig value chain actors in 4 districts. The findings indicate that most relationships at the pig production node of the value chain are based on spot market governance structures supported by personal relationships and trust. High integration levels of the pig traders are positively influenced by access to market information, value of investments in the value chain, and dedicated asset specificity in terms of backyard slaughter premises.
An ethnographic study was conducted in Tamale, Northern Ghana, to understand whether vegetable gardening was a sustainable form of intensification. The study found that urbanization has prompted an increase in the cultivation of highly profitable vegetables like cabbage. However, they are irrigated with grey and waste water while eaten raw. This, and the use of pesticides in high dosages, poses health and environmental hazards.
The World Vegetable Center is pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. Julie Howard (USA), Prof. Richard Ellis (UK), and Dr. Hsueh-Shih Lin (Taiwan) to the Center’s Board of Directors. --MORE--
To address food and nutrition security over a broader area in West Africa, the World Vegetable Center has established a new regional office for West and Central Africa – Coastal and Humid Regions in Cotonou, Benin. Dr. Victor Afari-Sefa, WorldVeg socioeconomist, was appointed as regional director. --MORE--
During the 51st meeting of the Board of Directors (BOD) of the World Vegetable Center, 25-27 April 2017, in Seoul, Korea, Junne-Jih Chen was appointed as the new Chair, effective immediately. --MORE--
WorldVeg recently bid farewell to Svein Solberg, Genebank Manager, based at headquarters.