A Virtual training workshop on biological control of Fall Armyworm in Near East and North Africa

During 23-24 November, the regional office of Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nation in Near East and North Africa will host regional virtual training workshop on mass production of natural enemies against Fall Armyworm. Experts from the International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology “icipe”, Kenya, will provide technical information to pest control specialists from 18 countries in NENA region on biological control approaches against Fall Armyworm. Biological control is environmental-friendly pest management option for reducing pest population and restore natural balance between living organisms in the agroecosystem.

NENA region is facing a serious challenge to food security and economic growth due to invasion of Fall Armyworm. The pest was first reported in the region in Sudan in 2018, and within 3 years, the pest spread to Yemen, Egypt, Oman, UAE, Mauritania and recently detected in Jordan in October 2020. Fall Armyworm is among the top damaging plant pests due to high migratory capabilities, reproductive abilities and wide host range that include major staple crops like maize, sorghum, rice, wheat and many other vegetable crops

FAO has supported NENA countries to reduce crop damage caused by FAW by establishing effective surveillance system, building the capacity of national specialists on pest management, and promoting the implementation of Integrated Pest Management strategies.

FAO is leading international efforts to support affected countries and provide the needed assistance, which was formulated through the establishment of FAO-FAW Global Action. Through FAO Global Action, support will be provided to number of demonstration countries in three regions worldwide. The demonstration countries will host experimental plots to assess IPM packages, particularly developed to suit the environmental conditions and culture practices in the region.