27 – 30 November, Cape Town, South Africa
Organiser: Dennis Obonyo Ndolo (ICGEB Cape Town, South Africa)
Co-organiser: Luiz Zerbini (ICGEB Cape Town, South Africa)
Contact: [email protected]
Deadline for receipt of applications at ICGEB Cape Town: 30 June 2018
CALL FOR APPLICATIONS NOW CLOSED
For information please contact: [email protected]
The ICGEB aims at strengthening the research capability of its Members through a comprehensive training programme and approach to promoting biotechnology internationally. The active participation of ICGEB Member States nationals in the ICGEB Meetings and Courses is therefore highly encouraged. For more information on the terms of participation and funding opportunities for this event please access the meeting website or contact the local organisers directly.
Due to growing concerns about the public health and safety implications of chemical pesticides, there is increasing demand for biological plant pest control products (biopesticides). Biopesticides are generally accepted to be safer for human, animal and environment health than the chemical counterparts. Moreover, the agricultural produce exported by many countries (primarily developing countries) to markets such as the European Union are required to adhere to strict chemical residue protocols, which underscores the need for pest control options to curtail reliance on chemical pesticides. Increasing the use of biopesticides would significantly reduce the volumes/quantities of chemicals currently used in agricultural production, thereby curbing chemical pesticide residue levels. However, although a large number of biocontrol agents have been identified and isolated (through various microbiological and/or biotechnological techniques) over the years, very few have been developed for commercial adoption. This workshop will address the challenges faced in the adoption of biopesticides and brainstorm on suggestions on how best to address these in order to enhance access to biopesticides.
Topics
Global trends in the development and use of biopesticides in agriculture, opportunities for the use of biopesticides in agriculture, key sources of information on potential biocontrol agents, development and commercialisation of biopesticides – an industry perspective, development and commercialisation of biopesticides – a regulators perspective , general requirements for biopesticide registration, key principles for the evaluation of biopesticide efficacy and safety, key challenges to the development and commercialisation of biopesticides.
Participants
Selection of participants will take into consideration academic merit and also how their potential participation could contribute towards obtaining a clear picture of the (potential) obstacles to adoption of biopesticides and the key research priorities that should be addressed in order to enhance the use of biopesticides in agriculture.
Funding
Participants are expected to cover their own travel and accommodation. A limited number of grants are available to cover flight or accommodation (twin share) for the duration of the workshop. Nationals of ICGEB member states will be prioritized. Registration fees of Euro 100 for the whole course will be charged.