School of AREAS entomologist presents at the international symposium on integrated pest management
School of AREAS entomologist presents at the international symposium on integrated pest management
Dr. Tahir Rashid, School of Agriculture, Research, Extension and Applied Sciences (AREAS), held a presentation “Biological Control of Fruit Flies” at the international symposium on integrated pest management sponsored by Abu Dhabi Food Control Authority (ADFCA) of the United Arab Emirates. Dr. Rashid represented Alcorn State University at this prestigious symposium attended by a number of world’s renowned scientists from University of California, Berkeley; University of Maryland; Sultan Qaboos University, Oman; World Vegetable Center, Taiwan; King Saud University, Saudi Arabia; and CSIRO Ecosystem Sciences, Australia.
ADFCA was established with the vision of developing a sustainable agriculture and food sector that ensures delivery of safe food to the public and protect the health of animal and plants while promoting sound environmental and food practices through cohesive and effective policies and regulations quality standards, research and awareness.
“Many fruit fly species are serious pests of agriculture throughout the world and signify a threat to the agriculture and ecology of the United States,” shared Dr. Rashid.
Dr. Rashid presented his research on biological control of insects in general and discussed numerous management tactics that can be used to regulate fruit fly populations. Pheromone lures and protein hydrolysate attractants provide successful detection of adult fruit flies. Non-chemical control methods include application of biopesticides, augmentation of fruit fly parasitoids, and sterile insect technique. Biological control, though slow acting can potentially provide long-term management solution of fruit flies if immediate results are not desired.
