A major international conference at Swansea University will discuss new approaches to managing insect pests, which will cut reliance on harmful chemical insecticides in the food sector.
Pests destroy up to 40% of global crops and cost $220 billion in losses, according to the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organisation.
Entitled New IPM: A Modern and Multidisciplinary approach to Crop Protection, the conference runs from September 12-14. It is being hosted and organised by Swansea University in partnership with the International BioControl Manufacturers Association UK.
The main conference programme runs on September 12 and 13. This is followed on September 14 by a networking event, organised by Swansea University’s Research and Innovation Services, which will be an opportunity for academics and businesses to forge links.
Dr Ian Baxter, of the International Biocontrol Manufacturers Association UK, said: “IBMA UK is delighted to be co-organising this event with Swansea University. The last two years have been particularly challenging for all of us, but this has not been reflected in a slow-down in the rate of technology adoption by growers – if anything, it has been expedited by the obvious pressures on resources.
“This is a perfect moment to get together and exchange information on the latest advances in new IPM.”