Healthy plants constitute the foundation for all life on Earth, as well as ecosystem functions, food security and nutrition.

     

Plant health is key to the sustainable development of agriculture required to feed a growing global population by 2050. As FAO has welcomed a UN decision to establish an annual International Day of Plant Health (IDPH) on 12 May, brush up your knowledge on the topic through a selection of FAO titles highlighting the importance of plant health, and get ready to celebrate!

All news and updates on the observance can be found on the IDPH.

Scientific review of the impact of climate change on plant pests – A global challenge to prevent and mitigate plant pest risks in agriculture, forestry and ecosystems
This study warns that climate change may increase the risk of pests being introduced to new areas. It recommends conducting pest risk analyses and strengthening international cooperation as preventive measures to protect plant health. The report is also available in a device-friendly format.

International Year of Plant Health – Final report
The United Nations General Assembly proclaimed 2020 as the International Year of Plant Health to raise global awareness on how protecting plants from pests and diseases can help end hunger, reduce poverty, protect the environment, and boost economic development. This report presents the key outcomes and achievements of the Year, and highlights its main legacies.

2020 Plant Production and Protection Annual Report
An overview of the FAO Plant Production and Protection Division’s work in the year 2020. Key facts and achievements are presented, including policy briefs on sustainable crop production and COVID-19, as well as the efforts made on crop varietal development.

Prevention, preparedness and response guidelines for Spodoptera frugiperda
These guidelines provide information on the distribution and biology of the Fall Armyworm. They also provide guidance on how to conduct a response plan and on suppression methods, such as biological control and microbial pesticides.

Bringing climate change adaptation into farmer field schools
This publication provides guidance to FFS practitioners so that they can better work with individual farmers and communities – using a “climate change lens” – in identifying, testing and adapting new practices that respond to changes and variability in local weather.

Additional resources

About transboundary plant pests and diseasesStandard Operating Procedures (SOP) Desert Locust Biology and Behaviour
Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) for Desert Locust Ground Survey
Project for Improvement of locust management – Phase 2
Red Palm Weevil: Guidelines on management practices

About Fall ArmywormIntegrated Pest Management (IPM) Farmer Field School (FFS)
Fall Armyworm Control in Action newsletter
General guidelines for developing and implementing a regional IPM strategy for Fall Armyworm control in demonstration countries

About pest and pesticides managementFAO/WHO Joint Meeting on Pesticide Specifications (JMPS) and Joint FAO/WHO Meeting on Pesticide Residues (MPR) annual reports
Soil Health for Paddy Rice

From the Rotterdam ConventionPesticide use, pesticide trade and pesticide indicators 1990 – 2019 – Analytical brief
Addressing hazardous child labour and reducing risks posed by hazardous pesticides
Eliminating hazardous child labour through safe and sustainable farming practices
PIC Circulars

From the International Plant Protection Convention (IPPC)Strategic framework for the International Plant Protection Convention (IPPC) 2020–2030 Protecting global plant resources and facilitating safe trade
Pest status guide – Understanding the principal requirements for pest status determination Rome
Surveillance guide – A guide to understand the principal requirements of surveillance programmes for national plant protection organizations

Activity book for childrenHealthy plants, healthy planet

Press releaseFAO welcomes decision to mark International Day of Plant Health annually on May 12

Still looking for knowledge? Have a look at the FAO Publications catalogue.