Biological Control In Ipm Systems In Africa

Annotation. Biological control has made a major contribution to integrated pest management (IPM) in Africa, but its documentation has been scattered and often under-reported. This book provides a review of the most important studies, including not only successes, but also on-going challenges. The focus is on arthropod pests and weeds, but diseases are also covered where significant. In 24 chapters, case studies and promising research results are presented that cover biocontrol by naturally occurring agents, by exotic agents or by seasonal manipulation. This book provides a valuable resource for scientists worldwide. It is particularly useful for pest control professionals working in Africa.

Invasive species, generally, affect economically important crops, thus affecting the livelihoods of millions of people along crop value chains. Typically, invasive species have high migratory capabilities and, because of plant material exchanges made during trade, they cannot be contained by one country. Usually, African countries react after a pest has invaded and established itself in the country, making the cost of mitigating the pest even more expensive. This book presents a pan-African view of the impacts of invasive insect pests on agriculture and of how invasive species impact on productivity in Africa. It not only describes their importance, but also presents a diversity of research findings in the field, ranging from the use of early warning and monitoring systems for quarantine purposes, agricultural extension, all the way to control strategies. The IPM arsenal presented in this book includes the use of botanical bioactive compounds, semiochemicals, resistant varieties, biological control agents such as entomopathogens, endophytes, predators, and natural enemies. Aspects of technology transfer strategies, regional coordination, and farmers’ perceptions have not been overlooked, because these affect the adoption of mitigation strategies. The book also presents measures that would help agricultural research services to estimate the damage and take actions for preparedness and readiness to face invasive insect pests. This starts with a basic knowledge of taxonomy to enable concerned persons to describe the insects and the vast inventory of affected crops. Physiological and ecological aspects of invasive pests are strongly highlighted to strengthen Integrated Pest Management Strategies. The threat of invasive species will remain permanent; therefore, the book encourages knowledge exchange and collaboration between researchers and scientists on the continent, while encouraging the establishment of a platform or a fund for preparedness and rapid response.

Abstract: This book serves as a reference resource of biological control techniques that can be used by pesticide applicators in an agricultural Integrated Pest Management (IPM) plan. Control of arthropod pests, weeds, plant pathogens and nematodes are specifically addressed. IPM systems for citrus, alfalfa, cotton, and soybean crops and vineyards are suggested.

Publisher Description

Executive conference summary; Genereal introduction; Biological control of arthropod pests; Biological control of weeds; Biological control of plant pathogens; Biological control of nematodes; Status and current limits to biological control in selected commodity IPM systems.

Background and achievements of biological control; Implementation of biological control; Broad assessment of biological control potential; Biological control in cereals, root crops, grain legumes, oil seeds, sugarcane, coffee, tea, cocoa, coconut, oil palm, rubber, tobacco, cotton, potato, banana, citrus, pineapple, apple, date, nuts, forage, pastures; Major pest problems affecting several crops; Weeds.