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Farming, Food and You

Bacterial Leaf Blight: A Disease That Affects Soybeans

Overview Soybean production in Ghana is often challenged by various diseases that can cause significant yield losses if not managed properly. Bacterial leaf blight, caused by the bacterium Pseudomonas syringae pv. glycinea, is one of the most prevalent soybean diseases in Ghana. The disease is most common following windswept thunderstorms in July and August, and it can cause up to 65% yield loss in soybean crops. Symptoms of bacterial blight typically develop several days after a rainstorm or hailstorm, and they are most evident on new growth that is expanding at the time of the rain event. The disease can sometimes be confused with brown spot or bacterial pustule, which often occur in the same fields and even the same plant, and symptoms can be difficult to separate. The bacteria that cause bacterial blight overwinter in crop residue and on seed, making it favored by continuous soybean cropping, no-till production systems, or fields planted with infected seed lots.   Management To manage bacterial blight, it is important to differentiate it from brown spot, which can be managed with fungicides. Fungicides are not effective against bacterial diseases such as bacterial blight and bacterial pustule. If bacterial blight was severe in a season, several agronomic practices can help reduce the disease the following year. These practices include: rotating to any crop other than Lima beans or snap beans, using tillage where soil erosion is not a concern to bury residue or place it in closer contact with the soil for faster decomposition, planting pathogen-free seed, and selecting resistant varieties. Although companies typically do not rate varieties for bacterial blight resistance, if a variety is observed to be highly susceptible, it should be removed from the grower's line up.   Reference: Ampong-Nyarko, K., Offei, S. K., Tetteh, F. M., Yeboah, M., Adu-Dapaah, H., & Akromah, R. (2015). Incidence, severity and yield loss of bacterial leaf blight of soybean in two major soybean growing regions in Ghana. African Journal of Agricultural Research, 10(16), 1865-1872.

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Farming, Food and You

Farmasyst: Revolutionizing Farming with Tech, Finance, and Impact.

Introduction: In the heart of the bustling agricultural landscape, where smallholder farmers strive to maximize their yields and overcome challenges, Farmasyst emerges as a beacon of hope, bridging the gap between agriculture, finance, and technology. Through its innovative approach, this groundbreaking initiative is transforming the lives of farmers by connecting them to agricultural inputs, mechanization services, and advanced monitoring techniques. Today, we delve into the remarkable journey of Farmasyst and explore its key activities, including its current mobile app for farm monitoring and its future plans for disease detection. Breakdown of What We Do: Connecting Smallholder Farmers to Agricultural Inputs and Mechanization Services At its core, Farmasyst acts as a vital link between smallholder farmers and the resources they need to thrive. Recognizing the challenges faced by farmers in accessing quality agricultural inputs and mechanization services, Farmasyst has implemented a comprehensive network to streamline these vital resources. Through strategic partnerships with agribusinesses and financial institutions, Farmasyst connects farmers to a wide range of agricultural inputs, including seeds, fertilizers, pesticides, and equipment. By leveraging these partnerships, smallholder farmers gain access to high-quality resources that were previously out of their reach, enabling them to improve productivity and profitability. Additionally, Farmasyst facilitates the availability of mechanization services, such as tractor rentals and harvesting equipment, to reduce labor-intensive practices and enhance efficiency. By enabling farmers to access these services, the initiative empowers them to optimize their operations, increase output, and ultimately improve their livelihoods. What We Are Doing: Mobile App for Farm Monitoring Farmasyst understands that harnessing the power of technology is crucial for sustainable agricultural growth. To that end, the initiative has developed a cutting-edge mobile application for farm monitoring. This app equips farmers with real-time insights, enabling them to make informed decisions and adapt their farming practices to changing conditions. The mobile app provides farmers with comprehensive data on weather patterns, soil conditions, crop health, and pest infestations. By receiving timely alerts and personalized recommendations, farmers can proactively address potential issues and optimize resource allocation. The app also facilitates communication between farmers, agronomists, and experts, fostering knowledge sharing and collaboration. Planning for the Future: Disease Detection Part Recognizing the devastating impact of crop diseases on smallholder farmers, Farmasyst has set its sights on developing an innovative disease detection system. Through the integration of advanced technologies like machine learning and remote sensing, the initiative aims to create a solution that can identify and diagnose diseases accurately and efficiently. This disease detection part of Farmasyst's vision holds tremendous potential for early disease identification, prompt intervention, and effective disease management. By enabling farmers to detect diseases at an early stage, the initiative seeks to minimize yield losses and safeguard farmers' livelihoods. Moreover, the insights gleaned from this system will contribute to the development of targeted solutions and preventive measures to mitigate future outbreaks. Conclusion: Farmasyst stands at the forefront of the agricultural revolution, weaving together agriculture, finance, and technology to empower smallholder farmers. Through its commitment to connecting farmers with agricultural inputs, mechanization services, and advanced monitoring techniques, Farmasyst is propelling the sector toward sustainability, efficiency, and profitability. As the initiative continues to expand its reach, the upcoming disease detection system promises to revolutionize disease management and elevate smallholder farmers to new heights. With Farmasyst leading the charge, the future of agriculture shines brighter than ever before.

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