Number II [February 2024 – the date of publication in “Crop Protection“]
WORKSHOP ON MATING DISRUPTION: AN INNOVATION TOWARDS MAKING CLIMATE SMART AGRICULTURE
The Feed the Future Bangladesh Integrated Pest Management Activity (IPMA) co-hosted an in-person knowledge sharing workshop entitled, “Mating Disruption: An Innovation Towards Making Climate Smart Agriculture” together with the IPM Innovation Lab, Virginia Tech in Dhaka, Bangladesh on September 13, 2023. The primary goal is to effectively control and prevent the spread of both current and emerging threats, ultimately leading to more efficient, profitable, and environmentally sustainable agricultural production. The Activity encompasses three key objectives: the development and accessibility of technologies at the farmer level, capacity building, and the commercialization of IPM products and technologies.
All participants in the workshop with Dr. Muni Muniappan, Director, IPM Innovation Lab, Virginia Tech
The activity promotes IPM packages for 13 different crops, generating demand for IPM technologies. Simultaneously, it lends support to private companies engaged in marketing IPM products, such as biopesticides, pheromone lures, and traps, facilitating the development of distribution networks. This enables even the most remote farmers to access these products conveniently. Pheromone traps, among other innovations, play a crucial role in combating destructive insects without relying heavily on synthetic pesticides. To commercialization of IPM products and technologies and to support to private companies engaged in marketing IPM products the workshop was conducted.
The workshop was designed with two technical sessions: i) ‘Suitable traps based on insect behavior including herbicides extracted from organic source for integrated weed management’ presented by Mr. Laxminarayana Praharaju, Managing Director, AG BIO SYSTEMS PVT LTD. and, ii) ‘Pheromone landscape: experience of ATGC’ presented by Mr. Laxminarayana Praharaju on behalf of Dr. Markandeya Gorantla, Co-founder and Managing Director of ATGC Biotech Pvt. Ltd.
Discussions focused on developing an ecosystem-friendly Integrated Pest Management (IPM) package, alternate to chemical pesticides, innovative technologies on mating disrupter, bio-herbicides, patents, formulations, global licensing and cost effectiveness of mating disrupter. About 30 participants from research, extension, academia, private sector, media and international organizations participated in the workshop. Specialists from Department of Agricultural Extension (DAE), Bangladesh Agricultural University (BAU), Shere-E-Bangla Agricultural University, Bangladesh Agricultural Research Institute (BARI), Bangladesh Rice Research Institute (BRRI), Bangladesh Wheat and Maize Research Institute (BWMRI), CIMMYT and private sectors gave constructive comments and suggestions based on their research and field experience.
Recommendations to way forward:
The following recommendations were made at the end of workshop:
Research:
- Conduct an in-depth analysis of pest management requirements and explore technological solutions.
- Collaborate with various organizations, including academia, research institutions, extension services, and private companies, to research and develop effective pheromone traps. This includes addressing longstanding pest issues, as well as identifying and addressing new or recent pest occurrences that may not have been previously reported or have different entry points.
- Conduct comprehensive field trials and research studies to validate the effectiveness of pest management solutions.
Awareness and Outreach:
- Utilize mass media channels to disseminate information on innovative pest control technologies.
- Foster collaboration with local farmers and agricultural experts, adopting an area-wide approach to ensure widespread awareness and adoption of these technologies.
- Introduce and promote advanced pest control methods, including pheromone traps, nano-fiber mats, electrically charged particles, AI integration, and bio-herbicides.
Capacity Building:
- Foster collaborative research efforts with various organizations, encompassing academia, research institutions, extension services, and private companies.
- Provide comprehensive training and educational programs on sustainable pest management practices to enhance capacity and knowledge among stakeholders.
Regulation:
- Approach pheromone regulation with a balanced and considerate perspective, distinguishing it from synthetic pesticides.
- Advocate for regulatory support and frameworks specifically tailored for biopesticides, recognizing their unique nature and benefits.
Professor Dr. Muhammad Shaef Ullah
Professor, Department of Entomology
Bangladesh Agricultural University
E-mail: [email protected]
IWSC 2024: IMPORTANT UPDATE – NEW DATES
Dear Friends and Colleagues
In light of the current circumstances, and as approved by the IWSS Board, it has been unanimously decided to postpone the congress to December 1-5, 2024. We very much hope that these dates are suitable to you.
We are progressing with an exciting and stimulating program, both scientifically and socially.
We look forward to welcoming you to Israel, December 2024.
Baruch Rubin Prof. Hanan Eizenberg
The IAPPS Newsletter is published by the International Association for the Plant Protection Sciences and distributed in Crop Protection to members and other subscribers. Crop Protection, published by Elsevier, is the Official Journal of IAPPS.
IAPPS Mission: to provide a global forum for the purpose of identifying, evaluating, integrating, and promoting plant protection concepts, technologies, and policies that are economically, environmentally, and socially acceptable. It seeks to provide a global umbrella for the plant protection sciences to facilitate and promote the application of the Integrated Pest Management (IPM) approach to the world’s crop and forest ecosystems.
Membership Information: IAPPS has four classes of membership (individual, affiliate, associate, and corporate) which are described in the IAPPS Web Site www.plantprotection.org.
The IAPPS Newsletter welcomes news, letters, and other items of interest from individuals and organizations. Address correspondence and information to:
Manuele Tamò
Editor, IAPPS Newsletter
IITA-Benin
08 B.P. 0932 Tri Postal, Cotonou, Republic of Benin
E-mail: [email protected]
