The image shows a cassava plant with a couple of grasshoppers resting on its leaves. Grasshoppers can be a problem for farmers, as they often feed on the leaves of crops like cassava. This feeding can weaken the plants by reducing their ability to carry out photosynthesis, which is essential for growth and yield.

For cassava farmers, these pests can lead to significant losses if they aren’t managed properly. The damage caused by grasshoppers can result in stunted plants and lower harvests, especially if their population grows unchecked.

To keep grasshoppers under control, farmers can use a few strategies. First, they can maintain clean fields to reduce breeding grounds for the insects. Introducing natural predators like certain birds or beneficial insects can help keep the grasshopper numbers down. If needed, insecticides can be applied, but it’s important to use them carefully to avoid harming other beneficial insects.

Early detection is key to managing these pests before they become a bigger issue. Encouraging a variety of plants in the area can also help by balancing the ecosystem, which makes it harder for pests to thrive. By using these practices, farmers can protect their cassava crops and ensure a good harvest.