LEAP-AGRI
International Virtual Workshop on Entomovectoring 3-4-5 November 2021
An International Virtual Workshop on Entomovectoring was held on 3-4-5 November 2021. A brief summary, with annexes covering the background, list of participants, and the workshop program, is available HERE.
The LEAP-AGRI project “Pest Free Fruit”
In sub-Saharan Africa, fruit production is an important source of income for smallholders and employment in rural and peri-urban areas. Sustainable intensification of production, however, is affected by pests (including diseases) that strongly impact on attaining food and nutrition security.
The Project aims to develop and promote novel, cost-effective and system-wide biocontrol technologies that contribute to the sustainable intensification of fruit production, particularly for small-scale growers in Africa. The first target pest is the invasive fruit fly, Bactrocera dorsalis (Diptera, Tephritidae). This pest is classified as one of the most important pests in agriculture due to its broad host range and high reproductive potential. In sub-Saharan Africa, this pest is a permanent threat to fruit crops, particularly mango, guava and citrus. Management of the pest has largely concentrated on widespread use of broad-spectrum insecticides. The second target pest of economic importance is the mango anthracnose, the most serious disease of mango worldwide. It is a fungal disease caused by Colletotrichum gloeosporioides, which results in the destruction of inflorescences, infection and drop of young fruit, as well as severe postharvest losses.
Cooperation with key universities in African countries and international institutions located and operating in Africa are key to influence development and to find solutions to present and future problems caused by pests and diseases.
Publications: Manuscripts have been submitted.
Acknowledgement: The support provided by the Institut Francais de Finlande, the Embassy of France in Finland, the French Ministry of Higher Education, Research and Innovation and the Finnish Society of Science and Letters is acknowledged in organising and co-financing an international workshop on entomovectoring, Our thanks to the Maupertuis Programme.
