Managing the pathogens threatening St Helena’s biodiversity and food security
Key Facts
FUNDING SCHEME Darwin Plus
VALUE £265,440
WHERE St Helena, Ascension and Tristan da Cunha
Summary
St Helena’s endemic trees, insects as well as crops are threatened by unidentified introduced pathogens, or changes to endemic pathogens through climate change. This project will survey and identify pathogens associated with tree death (including nursery stock), declining crop yields and insect populations. Methods developed through CABI’s Plantwise initiative, will build capacity in diagnostics and management across all sectors, supporting growers, conservationists, and foresters. This will prevent further deterioration of the endemic ecosystem and reduce the necessity to import food.
