The FABI Biocontrol Centre based at the UP Experimental Farm is a modern research facility that focuses on the experimentation and rearing of biological control agents to control forestry pests. Biological control is the only viable, long term option to control many forestry and agricultural pests in South Africa. The Centre contains state-of-the-art quarantine facilities, sterile labs, growth rooms, liquid nitrogen storage facilities, a quarantine glasshouse and other facilities and equipment required for research and the production of biological control agents. These agents include various micro Hymenoptera (minute parasitic wasps) as biocontrol agents for Eucalyptus pests, as well as microbial organisms such as the parasitic nematode, Deladenus siricidicola, used to manage populations of the Sirex wood wasp.

On Wednesday 26 March, 75 undergraduate TUKS students visited the Biocontrol Centre to learn about biological control of insect pests. These students are enrolled in the PLG 251 Crop Protection course and part of this course deals with insect pest management and the various strategies this entails. Various research projects at the Centre were demonstrated to the students and they could see how biocontrol agents are mass reared for the industry. Staff at the FABI Biocontrol Centre enjoyed the opportunity to engage with the students. The response of the students was great and some of the students are already making plans to work at the Centre during their vacation. The Centre thus not only conducts research and produces biocontrol agents for the South African forestry industry, but importantly, also contributes to the training of future researchers and other professionals.

Photos: Staff at FABI Biocontrol Centre (Dr Brett Hurley, Mrs Marlene Harney, Mr Hardus Hatting, Ms Samantha Bush, Ms Sophie Nyoni, Ms Pritty Khumalo and Mr Joseph Khadile) engage with undergraduate students around issues relating to biological control of insect pests.