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 1: Biological control as default: Threshold-driven systems integration for 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 2: The role of augmentative biological control in cropping systems

  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 3: Exploring biological control of arthropod pests in integrated fodder-livestock systems for climate smart agriculture

  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 4: Local production of biological control agents in lower-middle countries more challenges or opportunities?

  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 5: From ecology to economy: the financial value of classical biological control

  Short Title of Scientific Session: Economic impacts of classical biological control

  Convenor: Malvika Chaudhary
  Institution: CABI, New Delhi, India
  Co-Convenor 1: K. Subaharan
  Institution 1: ICAR-NBAIR, Bengaluru, India

  Description of the session topic: Classical Biological Control (CBC) involves introducing specialized natural enemies—parasitoids, predators, or pathogens—from the native range of an invasive pest to establish self-sustaining populations that regulate pests below economic injury levels. Unlike chemical pesticides, established natural enemies provide long-term, cumulative, and nearly cost-free pest suppression. Studies report benefit–cost ratios ranging from 20:1 to over 4000:1, significantly reducing production costs for farmers. This session will present global case studies demonstrating the economic impacts of CBC, including reduced pesticide dependence, lower health and environmental costs, and improved ecosystem services such as pollinator protection and water quality. Speakers will also discuss evaluation methodologies, policy support, and investment strategies to scale CBC adoption. The session will have presentations by speakers

• Scientific Session 6: Biopesticides for sustainable and climate-resilient agriculture: innovations and applications

  Convenor: Satya Nand Sushil
  Institution: ICAR-National Bureau of Agricultural Insect Resources, Bengaluru, India
  Co-Convenor 1: Dr. C. Manjunatha
  Institution 1: ICAR-National Bureau of Agricultural Insect Resources, Bengaluru, India

  Description of the session topic: Agriculture is increasingly challenged by climate change, pest resistance and environmental concerns associated with excessive use of chemical pesticides. Biopesticides, derived from microorganisms, plant extracts and natural compounds, offer eco-friendly and sustainable alternatives for crop protection. They are target-specific, biodegradable, and safer for non-target organisms, making them suitable components of integrated pest management strategies. This session will highlight recent innovations in the development, formulation and application of biopesticides for managing insect pests and plant diseases under changing climatic conditions. It will cover advances in microbial and botanical biopesticides, molecular tools for strain improvement, and novel formulation technologies that enhance efficacy and field stability. The session will also discuss successful field applications, regulatory aspects and strategies to integrate biopesticides into climate-resilient agricultural ecosystem

• Scientific Session 7: Linking research and practice in biological control

  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 8: Program for the integration of biological and cultural tools for sustainable pest management in horticulture in Uruguay

  Convenor: Adriana Laura Vieta Delgado
  Institution: Ministry of Livestock, Agriculture and Fisheries, Uruguay
  Co-Convenor 1: Ing.Agr. Cecilia Orihuela
  Institution 1: Ministry of Livestock, Agriculture and Fisheries, Uruguay
  Co-Convenor 2: Lic.Bioq. Dra Leticia Bao
  Institution 2: Faculty of Agronomy-UDELAR, Uruguay
  Co-Convenor 3: Ing.Agr (Dra) Maria Eugenia Lorenzo
  Institution 3: Faculty of Agronomy-UDELAR, Uruguay
  Co-Convenor 4: Ing.Agr. MSc. Carolina Fasiolo
  Institution 4: National Institute of Agricultural Research¸ Uruguay

  Description of the session topic: The comprehensive management and design of the production system influence the dynamics of crop pests and diseases. Strategies for productive diversification and biodiversity promotion, as well as aspects related to preserving soil health, contribute to the sustainability of production systems. This inter-institutional project, with the participation of the Ministry of Livestock, Agriculture and Fisheries (MGAP), the National Institute of Agricultural Research (INIA), and the Faculty of Agronomy-UDELAR, in conjunction with the horticultural production sector, aims to minimize environmental impact through various technologies, with an emphasis on biological control and management practices. The co-innovation approach, technical assistance and monitoring, and the use of bio-inputs have facilitated the gradual adoption of new tools, shifting production systems towards more ecologically efficient systems and achieving an 80% reduction in the use of synthetic pesticides.

• Scientific Session 9 (Panel Discussion - by invitation only): How value chain actors shape the uptake of bioprotection solutions

  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 11: Microbial biopesticide development, its application strategies and integration into IPM in Africa

  Short Title of Scientific Session: Microbial biopesticide development and integration in Africa
  Convenor: TBD
  Institution: ICIPE, Nairobi, Kenya

  Description of the session topic: This session will explore current advances and practical challenges in the development and deployment of microbial biopesticides and their integration into Integrated Pest Management (IPM) systems across Africa. Presentations will highlight recent innovations in the discovery, formulation, and production of microbial agents - such as bacteria, fungi, and viruses - designed to provide sustainable alternatives to synthetic pesticides. Speakers will examine application strategies tailored to African agro-ecological conditions, including how microbial products can be optimized for field efficacy, compatibility with existing pest management practices, and resilience under diverse environmental stresses. The session will also address the role of microbial biopesticides within broader IPM frameworks, showcasing case studies where these solutions have contributed to improved crop protection, reduced pesticide risk, and strengthened smallholder resilience. By bringing together researchers, industry experts, and extension specialists, this session aims to identify practical pathways for accelerating the adoption of microbial technologies as integral components of sustainable plant health strategies in Africa.

• Scientific Session 12: Beyond borders: international collaboration to facilitate delivery of biological control programmes

  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 13: Habitat diversification and conservation biological control for aphid biological control across various agroecosystems

  Convenor: Megha N. Parajulee
  Institution: Texas A&M University, Texas, USA

  Description of the session topic: Cotton agroecosystem offers a great opportunity to utilize various aspects of biological control. Texas cotton agroecosystems have effectively utilized cropping system diversification and conservation biological control for cotton aphid suppression. The session is planned to recruit speakers from around the world on the topic of habitat diversification and conservation biocontrol for aphid biological control. Discussions are ongoing to invite two speakers from India (wheat and rice systems), two from USA (cotton and vegetable system), one from China (tea system), and one from a European field crop system.

• Scientific Session 14: Biological control of fall armyworm in temperate and subtropical climates

  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 15: The impact of biostimulants on biological control programs and plant

  Convenor: Oscar Liburd
  Institution: University of Florida, Florida, USA
  Co-Convenor 1: Baldwyn Torto
  Institution 1: ICIPE, Nairobi, Kenya

  Description of the session topic: The session will focus on biological control programs on specialty crops using sustainable agricultural techniques. Emphasis will be placed on the impact of biostimulants on biological control programs and sustainable techniques used in conservation biological programs, including cultural techniques, and semiochemicals, which are typically used in developing countries.

• Scientific Session 16: Collective pest management: a bottom-up approach to tackle invasive species

  Convenor: Léna Durocher-Granger
  Institution: CABI, Lusaka, Zambia
  Co-Convenor 1: Kate Constantine
  Institution 1: CABI, Ascot, UK

  Description of the session topic: Field-by-field approaches to control highly mobile and invasive alien species often fail due to lack of coordination. These isolated management tactics are counterproductive as one single refuge not adequately managed can result in the build-up and re-establishment of pest populations. As area-wide pest management is usually a top-down approach initiated by governments, its implementation can encounter challenges mainly in remote farming communities. Bottom-up approaches, self-organized or community-based collective action supported by governments can also be very effective in managing IAS. Remote farming communities may often lack technical and financial support when facing invasive species and reframing pest management as a collective action problem contributes towards designing more effective, community-driven, and sustainable strategies. This session aims at discussing alternatives that co-design and leverage on existing collective actions to manage highly mobile invasive species.