A group of scientists have confirmed the first report of an egg parasitoid Telenomus remus in Africa which could prove an important biological weapon in the fight against the devastating fall armyworm (Spodoptera frugiperda). The latter is a pest that threatens the food security of more than 200 million people.
Dr Marc Kenis, Head of Risk Analysis and Invasion Ecology at the CABI Centre in Switzerland, led an international team of researchers from seven countries, who suggest Telenomus remus provides a 'great opportunity for the rapid deployment of a biological control agent' for fall armyworm in Africa.
The scientists, who confirmed the presence of Telenomus remus in Benin, Côte d'Ivoire, Kenya, Niger and South Africa using DNA analysis and morphological observations conducted at CABI's Egham laboratories and the Natural History Museum London, say the species could be a vital 'tool' within an Integrated Pest Management strategy for fall armyworm. Eurekalert.org describes how the fall armyworm which - as part of preliminary estimates in 12 of Africa's maize-producing countries - has the ability to cause yield losses of up to 20.6 million tonnes per annum.