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| Some scientists believe that pests can be most effectively and sustainably controlled by using natural enemies of the pests. In SILENT KILLER, we meet Dr. Hans Herren, who leads the International Center for Insect Physiology and Ecology (ICIPE). Herren won the World Food Prize for his successful effort to control the mealybug, a small insect which once decimated cassava crops throughout Africa. |
| Instead of using chemical sprays, Herren introduced a natural enemy of the mealybug, a parasitic wasp. Within a decade the mealybug was almost completely eliminated in an ecologically-friendly way. At ICIPE, Herren and his colleagues are developing biological control for a host of crop pests. Their work is helping to control the stemborer, an insect pest, and striga, a noxious weed, the two greatest destroyers of maize and sorghum crops throughout Africa. |
| Herren does not completely oppose the use of insecticides or other chemicals, but believes that Integrated Pest Management (IPM), using biological control where possible and building up soil quality to create hardier crops should be the first line of defense for farmers. Herren believes too much money is spent on chemicals and on high-tech solutions such as biotechnology, while funding for biological control is "a drop on a hot stone." |
You can see a video clip and read a related interview with Hans Herren on our Web Site and find out more about biological controls by visiting these sites:
- INTERNATIONAL CENTRE
OF INSECT PHYSIOLOGY AND ECOLOGY
ICIPE's mission is to help alleviate poverty, ensure food security and improve the overall health status of peoples of the tropics. The institute is featured in Silent Killer.
www.icipe.org/
- BIOVISION FOUNDATION
BioVision Foundation was founded by Hans Herren to help alleviate poverty and improve the livelihoods of poor people while maintaining the precious natural resource base that sustains life. BioVision functions as an intermediate between research institutes and local communities. You can donate here to support ICIPE’s projects.
www.biovision.ch/
- ASSOCIATION OF NATURAL
BIOCONTROL PRODUCERS
The Association of Natural Biocontrol Producers (ANBP) is a professional association representing the biological pest management industry. This site offers historical background, news and links to other resources.
www.anbp.org/
- BIOTECHNOLOGY AND BIOLOGICAL
CONTROL AGENCY
The Biotechnology and Biological Control Agency (BBCA) is an international non-profit association centered in Rome, Italy. Its aim is to provide a service in eco-compatible applied entomology, dedicated to the study and development of new least toxic systems to control weeds and insect pests.
www.bbca.it/
- CENTER FOR BIOLOGICAL CONTROL
The Center for Biological Control at the University of California-Berkeley facilitates the implementation of biological control through research, training and extension programs.
nature.berkeley.edu/biocon/
- INTERNATIONAL ORGANIZATION
FOR BIOLOGICAL CONTROL
The International Organization for Biological Control (IOBC) promotes environmentally safe methods of pest and disease control. It is a voluntary organization of biological-control workers.
www.unipa.it/iobc/
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