Smart, environment-friendly science can beat the locusts -- Biological control is best bet for Africa (story courtesy of IITA)

IBADAN, Nigeria: Renewed commitment from donors and a more enlightened view of the value of environment-friendly, biological control techniques could greatly reduce the use of many synthetic, chemical pesticides in Africa. That is the conclusion
drawn by IITA's Dr Peter Neuenschwander in a commentary published recently in the prestigious science journal, Nature.

Dr Neuenschwander cites the current locust plague that is sweeping northern and western Africa as a prime situation where eco-friendly science could have made a difference.

Fifteen years ago, after the last great swarm was stopped with a US$300 million chemical bombardment, a research consortium, including IITA and CABI Bioscience, developed a biological pesticide that selectively attacked locusts and grasshoppers while leaving other living things untouched. The eco-friendly Green Muscle(tm) showed great promise but once the science had been demonstrated, donor interest waned. Unfortunately many other obstacles to the production and deployment of the environment-friendly pesticide remain.

"One of the biggest hurdles has been the perception that biological control is not a true alternative to synthetic pesticides," says Dr Neuenschwander. "But this is simply not true." Biological control methods have already proven themselves extremely effective in Africa. For example, one study of 27 African countries estimates that the control of the cassava mealybug by a parasitic wasp imported from Latin America has saved US$8-20 billion in crop losses since it was first deployed 20 years ago. Cassava is the major starch staple for more than 100 million Africans and the mealybug destroyed up to 40% of cassava yields. Similarly, eco-friendly control agents for water hyacinth and the mango mealybug have had huge economic consequences argues Dr Neuenschwander.

The reduction in damage to the environment that would have been caused by synthetic chemical solutions is incalculable. "Implementation of eco-friendly options requires political will and public support," says Dr Neuenschwander. "With a clear vision... and good leadership many countries could adopt this approach today."

Typhlodromalus manihoti serves as biological control agent against the cassava green mite.

Anagyrus lopezi, an encyrtid wasp serves as biological control agent against the cassava mealybug

Schistocerca gregaria, a highly destructive desert locust attacks major food crops in Africa

pictures courtesy of IITA.

Biological Control Brief (IITA)
Biological Control Case Study - Desert Locust (IITA)
Biological Control Case Study - Cassava Green Mite (IITA)
Biological Control Case Study - Cassava Mealybug (IITA)
Biological Control : other successes: mango mealybug, water hyacinth, cowpea thrips, water lettuce (IITA)
Peter Neuenschwander Biography (IITA)
"Harnessing Nature in Africa" | Nature | Vol. 432| 16 December 2004|

IITA is a center of excellence for agricultural research for the development of Africa. Its goal is to enhance, in a sustainable and environmentally friendly way, the livelihoods, well being, and food security of millions of Africans.