How can we help protect our beloved Cavendish Banana from Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. cubense or Panama Disease?

47% of the global banana production is in danger. The Cavendish banana, which makes up 99% of the global banana export, is being threatened by the Panama disease. This devastating disease, also known as Fusarium wilt, is caused by the fungal pathogen Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. cubense Tropical race 4 (Foc TR4). FungiAlert can quickly … Read more

What are good and bad soil microorganisms?

Where do microorganisms come from? Microorganisms are organisms too small to be viewed solely by the eye, they are everywhere, from the poles to the equators, including deserts, geysers, rocks, volcanos and even in the deep sea. They even live in bigger living organisms, forming part of the microbiota found in and on every multicellular … Read more

Fusarium oxysporum f.sp cepae: the threat against onions

Fusarium oxysporum f.sp cepae: the threat against onions Onions. You chop them into your Friday night salsa, or sauté them in your Tuesday night stir fry. But have you ever thought about the challenges the humble onion faces? The onion has been farmed across the UK for centuries, and on a global scale, the onion is … Read more

Why measuring soil biology is key for good soil health, sustainability and increased yields

  Over the past years, soil-health has become a trending topic due to the realisation of an upcoming soil health fertility crisis. During the last 50 years, intensive crop production has exhausted our planet’s soils, endangering their ability to meet future food demands. If no actions are taken now to stop this crisis, then it … Read more

How healthy soils can reduce plant disease

What is plant disease and what are the causes? Plant diseases (caused by pathogenic microorganisms such as fungi, oomycetes and bacteria) are widespread within agricultural systems and are often economically devastating for growers. The biological threat from pathogens accounts for about a 16% loss in global food production, and the problem is forecast to worsen … Read more