7th International Symposium on Biological Control of Arthropods (ISBCA)

Nairobi, Kenya, October 26-30, 2026

Proposed topics for scientific sessions (the session numbering is tentative and may be revised for the final programme).

• Scientific Session 01 (Panel Discussion - by invitation only): How value chain actors shape the uptake of bioprotection solutions

  Short Title of Scientific Session: Value chain dynamics in bioprotection adoption
  Convenor: Ulli Kuhlmann
  Institution: CABI, Delemont, Switzerland

  Description of the session topic: This panel discussion will examine the perspectives of key stakeholders across the agricultural sector regarding the implementation of bioprotection strategies and pesticide risk reduction practices. peakers will explore the challenges and opportunities encountered by growers, industry partners, researchers, and policy actors as they work to adopt and scale bioprotection solutions. The discussion will also focus on identifying the actions needed at the policy, research and development, and value chain levels to accelerate the transition toward broader use of bioprotection products. By bringing together diverse viewpoints, the session aims to highlight practical pathways and collaborative approaches that can strengthen the adoption and effectiveness of bioprotection practices.

• Scientific Session 02: Linking research and practice in biological control

  Short Title of Scientific Session: Biological control practices
  Convenor: Simon Zebelo
  Institution: University of Maryland Eastern Shore (UMES), Princess Anne, Maryland, USA
  Co-Convenor 1: Amanuel Tamiru
  Institution 1: International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology (ICIPE), Nairobi, Kenya
  Co-Convenor 2: Samira Mohammed
  Institution 2: International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology (ICIPE), Nairobi, Kenya

  Description of the session topic: Biological control research continues to generate innovative approaches for managing arthropod pests, yet translating scientific discoveries into practical pest management solutions remains a major challenge. This session will highlight research that bridges the gap between ecological discovery and field implementation of biological control strategies. Presentations will focus on original research demonstrating advances in natural enemy ecology, conservation biological control, augmentation strategies, and integration with broader integrated pest management programs. The session will bring together researchers and practitioners working across diverse agroecosystems to share new insights that improve the effectiveness, scalability, and adoption of biological control. Emphasis will be placed on field-based studies, interdisciplinary collaboration, and approaches that enhance implementation by farmers and stakeholders.

• Scientific Session 03: Free themes part I
• Scientific Session 04: Beyond borders: international collaboration to facilitate delivery of biological control programmes

  Short Title of Scientific Session: International collaboration in biological control
  Convenor: Tara Gariepy
  Institution: Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, London, Ontario, Canada
  Co-Convenor 1: Tim Haye
  Institution 1: CABI, Delemont, Switzerland

  Description of the session topic: The delivery of arthropod biological control solutions is often facilitated by international collaboration. In fact, it is critical in classical biological control in order to conduct foreign exploration and evaluate the ecological host range of candidate, and international partnerships are essential for the delivery of agents to recipient countries. However, international collaboration is also crucial in augmentative and conservation biological control efforts, where joint research projects and transfer of knowledge and expertise can expedite the implementation of biological control solutions between countries that share common arthropod pests. This session will highlight specific projects that have facilitated the delivery of biological control programmes through international collaboration.

• Scientific Session 05: The role of augmentative biological control in cropping systems

  Short Title of Scientific Session: Augmentative biological control
  Convenor: Martin Hill
  Institution: Centre for Biological Control, Rhodes University, South Africa
  Co-Convenor 1: Megan Mulcahy
  Institution 1: River BioScience, Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth), South Africa

  Description of the session topic: Augmentative biological control has been implemented in many cropping systems globally. However, in some cases there is little empirical evidence to support the ongoing releases of natural enemies. This symposium will attract papers from a a number of institutions globally specifically aimed at quantifying the impact of mass releases.

• Scientific Session 06: Free themes part II
• Scientific Session 07: Local production of biological control agents in lower-middle countries more challenges or opportunities?

  Short Title of Scientific Session: Local production of biological control agents
  Convenor: Dirk Babendreier
  Institution: CABI, Delemont, Switzerland
  Co-Convenor 1: Prabath Nishantha
  Institution 1: Department of Agriculture Horticultural Crops Research and Development Institute, Sri Lanka
  Co-Convenor 2: Dr Belinda Luke
  Institution 2: CABI, Ascot, UK

  Description of the session topic: Biological control of pests in lower-middle countries is increasingly being discussed and considered as problems with using pesticides become more and more immanent. While in some countries that are considered part of this group (we refer particularly to Brasil and China) are nowadays strong producers of biocontrol agents, others are lacking behind and the focus of this session lies on this latter group. Local production would empower rural communities and governments often try to support the idea. Nevertheless, in addition to these obvious opportunities, there are challenges along the implementation path such as ensuring product quality, and achieving regulatory and market readiness. This session will explore these opportunities and challenges through case studies and broader perspectives on local biocontrol production.

• Scientific Session 08: Biological control as default: Threshold-driven systems integration for tropical IPM

  Short Title of Scientific Session: Biocontrol as default in tropical IPM
  Convenor: Ismaila Aderolu
  Institution: University of Abuja, Abuja, Nigeria

  Description of the session topic: Biological control has consistently demonstrated ecological efficacy across classical, augmentative, and conservation paradigms. Yet in tropical smallholder systems, where pest pressure, climate variability, and economic vulnerability converge, it remains structurally deployed as supplementary rather than the operational default. This session advances a decisive paradigm shift: positioning biological control as the first-line, threshold-responsive intervention within tropical IPM. The central question moves beyond ecological performance alone to operational predictability: Can biological control function reliably within farmer-level risk thresholds, yield protection targets, and resistance management architectures? Speakers will present original, field-validated datasets addressing: (1) Parasitoid and predator deployment under defined economic thresholds; (2) Microbial biocontrol integration within reduced-risk chemical sequences and (3) Yield stability and crop physiological resilience under biological control

• Scientific Session 09: Exploring biological control of arthropod pests in integrated fodder-livestock systems for climate smart agriculture

  Short Title of Scientific Session: Fodder-livestock pests’ biological control
  Convenor: Casper Nyamukondiwa
  Institution: Department of Biological Sciences and Biotechnology, Botswana International University of Science and Technology (BIUST), Botswana
  Co-Convenor 1: Honest Machekano
  Institution 1: Department of Zoology and Entomology, University of Pretoria, South Africa
  Co-Convenor 2: Marizvikuru Mwale-Manjoro
  Institution 2: Institute for Rural Development, Faculty of Science, Engineering and Agriculture, University of Venda, Thohoyandou, South Africa
  Co-Convenor 3: Lovemore Gwiriri
  Institution 3: Centre for Agroecology, Water and Resilience, University of Coventry, UK

  Description of the session topic: Livestock systems are vital to global food and nutrition security, especially in tropical and arid regions where they sustain livelihoods and resilience. Climate change is altering arthropod and parasite dynamics, increasing pest pressures in fodder production and livestock systems. While biological control has largely focused on food crops, integrated crop–livestock systems used by smallholders face growing challenges from invasive fodder-livestock pests, that reduce feed quality, animal productivity, and farm profitability. Climate variability further drives pest spread and reliance on chemical treatments with economic and environmental costs. Biological control offers a climate-smart, low-input alternative that enhances ecosystem services and resilience. This session thus explores interdisciplinary innovations integrating biological control across fodder, grazing, and livestock health to support sustainable, inclusive, and climate-resilient livestock production systems.

• Scientific Session 10: Biological control of fall armyworm in temperate and subtropical climates

  Short Title of Scientific Session: Biological control of fall armyworm
  Convenor: Marc Kenis
  Institution: CABI, Delemont, Switzerland
  Co-Convenor 1: Zhang Yibo
  Institution 1: CAAS – Institute for Plant Protection, Beijing, China

  Description of the session topic: The fall armyworm, Spodoptera frugiperda, a serious pest of maize and other crops in the Americas, has recently spread to several continents. While mostly considered a tropical pest, it can also establish and cause damage in subtropical regions. Furthermore, its migration capacity allows it to invade temperate regions, where fall armyworm is usually transient. Sustainable control methods, including biological control, are being developed across all invaded regions, and biological control approaches may differ depending on local climate and cultivation practices. This symposium will provide several examples of biological control methods presently being used or studied against fall armyworm in subtropical and temperate regions worldwide.

• Scientific Session 11 Biological Control of Fall Armyworm in Africa

  The fall armyworm (Spodoptera frugiperda) has emerged as one of the most destructive invasive pests affecting maize production across sub-Saharan Africa. Since its introduction to the continent in 2016, the pest has spread rapidly, causing substantial yield losses, threatening food security, and increasing production costs for millions of smallholder farmers. While synthetic pesticides remain widely used, concerns regarding efficacy, resistance development, environmental impacts, human health risks, and affordability have intensified the search for sustainable management approaches. This session will focus on the current status, advances, and future prospects of biological control strategies for fall armyworm management in Africa. It will highlight the role of natural enemies, including parasitoids, predators, entomopathogenic fungi, bacteria, viruses, and nematodes, as well as conservation biological control and habitat management approaches. Presentations will address the discovery and evaluation of indigenous and introduced biological control agents, their integration into integrated pest management (IPM) programmes, and lessons learned from implementation efforts across diverse African agroecosystems. Special attention will be given to the adoption by smallholder farmers, scaling-up successful interventions, regulatory considerations, and opportunities for public-private partnerships. The session aims to foster collaboration among researchers, extension specialists, policymakers, development organizations, and industry stakeholders working toward sustainable fall armyworm management.

• Scientific Session 12: Strengthening bioprotection product regulation in Africa: status, challenges, and opportunities for regulatory harmonization

  Short Title of Scientific Session: Strengthening bioprotection product regulation in Africa
  Convenor: Ivan Rwomushana
  Institution: CABI, Nairobi, Kenya

  Description of the session topic: This panel discussion will explore the development and implementation of effective bioprotection policies across countries, regions, and institutions. Speakers will examine success stories as well as the key challenges that influence policy adoption and execution. The session will highlight how insights from countries with advanced bioprotection frameworks can be shared to support nations still building their regulatory systems. Discussion will include the alignment of pesticide regulatory structures and trade facilitating MRLs across Africa, an assessment of the current status of biopesticide regulatory frameworks, and an analysis of the major obstacles limiting the registration, uptake, and practical use of biopesticides. The session will conclude with perspectives on advancing harmonized regional guidelines to streamline and strengthen biopesticide registration efforts.

• Scientific Session 13: Free themes part III