Special Lunch Session 2 - May 21

Biological control, beyond the point of no return

Organisers: Sarah Van Beneden, Soraya França, Lieselotte De Bruyne, Rob Moerkens, Felix Wäckers

Biobest Group, Ilse Velden 18, 2260 Westerlo, Belgium

Biological control (both in terms of biopesticides & beneficial insects) continue to show significant growth in European and global crop production. Increasing demands from consumers and supermarkets for residue free products, as well as tightening of regulations for the use of chemical pesticides are strong drivers for a shift towards biological crop protection. What are the trends for the (near) future and what are the challenges? As a pioneer and global leader in biocontrol, Biobest will host this session.

As an introduction Biobest will share its experience with complete Biocontrol solutions for high value crops, which involve monitoring solutions, beneficial insects as well as biopesticides. Monitoring and prevention are both key to successful IPM programmes. As a second line of defence, biocontrol agents can be established preventatively, using for instance specific food supplements to build up a standing army ready to defend a crop should pests and diseases arrive. As a third line of defence, biopesticides can be used curatively to control already established pests and diseases. Meanwhile, knowledge regarding the side effects of conventional crop protection products is vital to limit the impact on biocontrol agents. The development of such a complete toolbox of solutions requires open innovation, plenty of collaboration, and close interaction with growers.

The aim of this lunch session is to exchange opinions, information, advise, and knowledge between stakeholders.

Is agriculture without chemical pesticides within reach or is it an illusion? What are the opportunities for the future, and what are the challenges? Biocontrol products are sometimes considered as expensive or less effective. Is this actually the case and if not, how can we adjust this opinion? How to improve efficacy? Next-generation biologicals: what is in store? Integration chemical pesticides with beneficials & biopesticides, what is best practice?