BIOTIC CONSTRAINTS AND CLIMATE-SMART RESPONSES IN NIGERIA'S CASHEW PRODUCTION

Cashew (Anacardium occidentale L.) has become a vital component of Nigeria's agricultural economy, contributing to rural livelihoods and foreign exchange earnings. Despite its growing importance, Nigerian cashew production faces significant biotic constraints, including insect pests, diseases, and weed competition, which collectively reduce productivity and threaten orchard sustainability. Major insect pests such as Helopeltis spp. (tea mosquito bug), stem girdlers, thrips, and mirid bugs attack different growth stages, causing flower and nut losses, shoot dieback, and overall yield reduction. Diseases including anthracnose, dieback, and powdery mildew further exacerbate losses, particularly under humid conditions, while weeds compete for moisture, nutrients, and light, and may harbor pests and pathogens. These biotic pressures are intensified by climate variability, which alters pest and disease dynamics and increases vulnerability of cashew orchards. Climate-smart management strategies have emerged as effective approaches to mitigate these challenges. They encompass the development of climate-resilient varieties, strategic pruning, orchard sanitation, use of tolerant planting materials, and agroecological practices that enhance natural pest regulation. Biological control using natural enemies, selective chemical applications within an Integrated Pest and Disease Management (IPDM) framework, and soil and water management further contribute to sustainable production. Climate-responsive adjustments in field operations, coupled with farmer training and knowledge exchange, improve the timing and effectiveness of interventions. Adopting these integrated, climate-smart strategies can stabilize yields, strengthen resilience against pests and diseases, and support long-term sustainability of Nigerian cashew production. Such approaches are essential for transforming the sector from landexpansion–driven growth into a productivity-oriented, climate-resilient industry that ensures economic benefits for farmers and the nation at large.