Through with Thrips
(continued...)

Naidu Rayapati, program leader on this project, and a researcher in the department of plant pathology at Washington State University, has been working on this problem with collaborators at the University of Georgia and in India and other developing countries since 2005. “We are generating strategic knowledge about the tospoviruses and thrips vectors that are prevalent in different vegetable crops, sensitizing farmers and other stakeholders to the problems they cause, and strengthening the capacity of the research community to tackle these challenges,” he says. “We anticipate that this knowledge will speed up the development of non-pesticidal measures and lead to the production of nutritious vegetables with benefits for human health and the environment.”
 

Family enjoying watermelon

In other words, it will allow farmers to grow better produce using less pesticide—better for the environment, people’s health, and their pocketbooks as well.

There is no silver bullet approach for virus diseases spread by thrips, Rayapati cautions, no magic wand one can wave at the scourge. What Rayapati and his colleagues have found is that farmers can be trained to identify the disease early in

the crop growth stage and remove infected plants. This strategy, while tedious, is effective. The key for success is better awareness of the problem among different stakeholders and working with farmers to deploy a combination of tactics for mitigating the negative impact of these diseases. And when farmers see results, they are sold.

Rayapati and his colleagues hope to develop ways to translate science-based knowledge into strategies that will advance rural prosperity. “We work with farmers to improve their knowledge and enhance their ability to stay on top of the problem,” he says.

The impact of this program, Rayapati notes, extends far beyond a simple increase in farmer income. “If you are making more money, you’re eating better, if you’re eating better, you’re getting better nutrition,” he points out. And if you’re getting better nutrition, you’re better able to think and to make good decisions. “Interestingly enough,” says Rayapati, “studies even show that vegetable production develops management and leadership skills.” (continued...)