Fungus Discovery Offers Hope Against Armyworm; Beef and Dairy Linked to Biodiversity Loss

South African scientist Letodi Luki Mathulwe has discovered that a naturally occurring soil fungus can effectively kill African armyworm caterpillars, a major crop pest in east and southern Africa. The breakthrough came after Mathulwe investigated fields where dead caterpillars were covered in a white substance, which turned out to be the fungus. This finding could provide a biological alternative to chemical pesticides for farmers in the region.

Separately, new research indicates that beef and dairy production account for 41% of biodiversity damage associated with global farmland. The study highlights the disproportionate environmental impact of livestock farming compared to other agricultural activities, underscoring the need for sustainable practices in the sector.