Why scientists insist on disease-free seed usage
According to Martin Ameu, an agronomist working with the Food and Agriculture Organisation, planting disease-free seeds leads to proper plant growth, reduces incidents of pests and disease attack, among others.
Apart from reducing pests and diseases, planting disease-free seed reduces the overuse of agro chemicals, which are not only costly to the farmer but also affect the quality of the soils and alter on compromises the quality of the food items. (New Vision/Files)
By Prossy Nandudu
Journalists @New Vision
As scientists across the country celebrated World Plant Health Day (May 12, 2025), experts called on farmers to look out for disease-free seeds.
According to Martin Ameu, an agronomist working with the Food and Agriculture Organisation, planting disease-free seeds leads to proper plant growth, reduces incidents of pests and disease attack, among others.
Apart from reducing pests and diseases, planting disease-free seed reduces the overuse of agro chemicals, which are not only costly to the farmer but also affect the quality of the soils and alter on compromises the quality of the food items.
Ameu shared his 10-point tips to farmers on Monday, including:
• Crop Rotation: Rotating crops regularly breaks the pest and disease cycles and improves soil health. Examples include rotating maize with legumes such as beans.
• Monitor Your Crops Frequently: Walk through your fields often to spot signs of pests or diseases. Early action can save the whole harvest.
• Practice Safe Pesticide Use: Only use recommended pesticides, follow label instructions, and wear protective gear to avoid harming yourself and the environment.
• Encourage Natural Pest Control: Grow flowering plants or keep hedges to attract beneficial insects like ladybirds and wasps that naturally control pests.
• Properly Dispose of Infected Plant Material: Burn or bury diseased plants; don’t compost them to prevent spreading infections.
• Avoid Overcrowding Crops: Give crops enough space to reduce moisture buildup and disease spread. Proper spacing also improves yields.
• Preserve Trees and Natural Vegetation Nearby: Forested areas and shade trees help stabilise climate, attract pollinators, and reduce erosion, all of which support plant health.
• Keep Livestock and Crops Well Separated: Avoid letting animals graze near crops to reduce the risk of contaminating fields and spreading plant or zoonotic diseases.
• Report Unusual Crop Damage: If you notice unknown pests or strange plant symptoms, inform your local agricultural extension officer quickly it may be a sign of a new threat.
