Training on mass production of entomopathogenic nematodes for biological control of invasive insect pests
A team of global experts in the production of biocontrol agent provided a practical training on the mass culture of entomopathogenic nematodes at the Biocontrol Agent Facility of Rwanda Agriculture and Animal Resource Development Board (RAB), writes Dr Stefan Toepfer and Wayne Coles.
CABI contributes to first Pan-African Nematology Network workshop in Kenya
CABI has contributed its expertise in the field of nematology at the first Pan-African Nematology Network (PANEMA) workshop held at the EKA Hotel in Eldoret, Kenya.
Could entomopathogenic nematodes combat fall armyworm?
Research is currently underway to study new ways of encapsulating and applying entomopathogenic nematodes (EPN) to better combat the invasive and destructive fall armyworm in Africa. PhD student Patrick Fallet is investigating the possibility of a novel biocontrol approach which will attract the armyworm caterpillars to beads containing biocontrol agents such as the insect-killing EPN.
Using roundworms to manage the Tomato Leaf Miner
Research recently published in the Journal of Economic Entomology has offered new insight into managing the tomato leaf miner (Tuta absoluta) using entomopathogenic nematodes (EPN). If the pest is not adequately managed, it can cause up to 100% crop loss in both field and green-house grown tomatoes. Also causing further concern is the increasing insecticide…