CABI’s expertise in nature-based solutions for sustainable pest management in agroecosystems has been highlighted at the 9th International Agriculture Congress (9th IAC 2024) held in Putrajaya, Malaysia.
The three-day congress explored the sustainable agricultural practices and frontiers farming technologies to address food security and safety, preserve natural resources, and safeguard our planet for future generations.
Held under the auspices of “Revolutionizing Agriculture for a Sustainable Future,” the congress this year attracted over 350 participants from not just Malaysia but also other parts of the world including China, India, Philippines, Nigeria and Indonesia.
Nature-based solutions for a sustainable pest management
Dr Feng Zhang, Regional Director, East & South-East Asia, gave a presentation entitled “Development of nature-based solutions for a sustainable pest management in agroecosystems” for which he was awarded a plenary speaker certificate of merit.
His presentation included details on the biological control of the brown marmorated stink bug (Halyomorpha halys) and improvement of biopesticides efficacy against locust.
Dr Zhang also highlighted digital tools such as the BioSuccess App for locust monitoring, forecasting and control and the CABI BioProtection Portal, which is the largest, free global resource for biological pest management.
The Portal features a searchable directory of nationally registered biocontrol and biopesticide products alongside comprehensive information to help agricultural advisors and growers to source and effectively use sustainable natural products within integrated pest management programmes.
Make a real impact on the ground
Furthermore, Dr Arnaud Costa, Crop Health Advisor, chaired a session on plant protection which covered topics from bio-management of soil-borne plant parasitic nematodes, and trichoderma-boichar combination as a plant growth promoter in young oil palms.
CABI also had a booth staffed by Wai Ching Lai, Regional Sales Manager, Southest & East Asia, which gave the opportunity to showcase CABI’s work on sustainable pest management, including its various publishing products.
Prof Dr Ir. B.T. Hang Tuah Baharudin, Deputy Vice-Chancellor of Universiti Putra Malaysia, visited the booth to understand more about CABI and to explore ways to collaborate.
Wai Ching Lai with Dr Costa and Dr Zhang at the 9th IAC 2024.
Going forward, Dr Zhang stressed that CABI is working in partnership to promote nature-based solutions for sustainable pest management in agroecosystems through various forms including public-public, public-private, bilateral and multi-lateral means.
Dr Zhang said, “It is important to take an integrated and multisector approach to develop, disseminate and scale up nature-based solutions and make a real impact on the ground.”
A CABI study in 2023, led by Dr Tim Haye, found that the Samurai wasp (Trissolcus japonicus) – a natural enemy of the brown marmorated stink bug pest – has minimal impact on native stink bugs.
Anastatus japonicus is also a feasible option and can be mass produced
However, Dr Zhang, in his presentation at the 9th IAC 2024, said Anastatus japonicus would be also a possible option and can be mass produced with Chinese oak moth Antheraea pernyi eggs at low cost in large scale.
Also, in 2023 CABI’s work on the Oriental migratory locust in China tested an updated and validated model to predict the performance of a biological control agent to tackle the pest.
CABI staff teamed up with colleagues from the Chinese Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs (MARA)-CABI Joint Laboratory for Biosafety for the study which found that the fungus Metarhizium anisopliae tended to work better on insects with lower body temperatures. The model they created can be used to predict the performance of the agent with a reasonable level of accuracy.
The International Agriculture Congress was first organized in 2004 by the Faculty of Agriculture, Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM) and ever since this conference has been conducted biannually in Malaysia. This year, the congress was co-organised with Yangzhou University and Edorer, and CABI was honoured as one of the silver sponsors.
Dr Zhang receiving his certificate of merit from the session chair Prof Julie Ann A. Salido.
Professor Phebe Ding, Head of Scientific Committee of the Congress, thanked Dr Zhang for CABI’s contribution to the congress.
She said, “We are deeply grateful for your contribution, which played a pivotal role in the success of our event. Your words not only enlightened us but also inspired fruitful discussions and ideas that will continue to resonate within our community.”
Additional information
Main image: Dr Zhang speaking at the 9th International Agriculture Congress (9th IAC 2024) held in Putrajaya, Malaysia.
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