Ten Far-Reaching Achievements: Realizing Results

Published Date: 20 October 2008

The FAO/IAEA 1 — Techniques using isotopes optimize the uptake of nutrients by plants. 2 — Plant breeding methods using radiation produce varieties of crops that produce higher yields or that can thrive in harsh climates. © FAO / Giulio Napolitano 3 — Development and application of the sterile insect technique to suppress or eradicate major insect pests threatening crops and livestock. The technique especially targets pests that cause significant losses, affect international trade, or transmit human and animal diseases. 4 — The sterile insect technique has proven especially effective against several fruit fly pests, including the Mediterranean fruit fly, various moth pests, and the tsetse and screwworm flies. © FAO / F. Botts 5 — Highly sensitive techniques have been developed that improve the efficiency of artificial insemination services provided to livestock keepers. 6 — Other techniques identify diseases such as rinderpest, foot-and-mouth, brucellosis and Rift Valley fever that kill farm animals and can threaten the health of humans. © FAO / Giulio Napolitano 7 — Techniques using isotopes minimize land degradation and water pollution, and improve soil fertility. 8 — Applications using radionuclides advance understanding of factors causing soil erosion and identify cost- effective practices to reduce it. © FAO / Giulio Napolitano 9 — Methods to understand and apply the optimal radiation doses for destroying bacteria, insects and other organisms that cause spoilage of food and human diseases. 10 — Validated methods of sampling and analysis to determine and control radionuclide, pesticide, veterinary drug and mycotoxin contamination of foods. © FAO / Giulio Napolitano © FAO