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G.G.M. Schulten
FAO, Rome, Italy
Mr. Chairman Ladies and Gentlemen,
This is the second workshop which has been held after the International Tanzania/FAO Workshop on Containment and Control of the Larger Grain Borer (LGB) in 19X8. In Arusha the available information on LGB control was brought together and strategies and research activities were recommended to improve control of the LGB. Biological control was one of these strategies.
The workshop in Cotonou last year was completely allocated to biological control, in particular to Teretriosoma nigrescens. Specified research activities were recommended to fill gaps in our knowledge on the specificity of Teretriosoma as a predator of the LGB and its effectiveness as a control agent. Today and tomorrow we will discuss the results of the tests and experiments which were agreed upon in Cotonou.
However not only our knowledge in biological control has increased. Much more experience has been gained on containment and control. You will hear details on these aspects in the presentations of the country papers.
Generally speaking chemical control of the LGB is possible and it should be promoted. However the implementation of chemical control at farmer level is an enormous task for plant protection and extension services and a considerable financial burden for the governments concerned. In countries where these services are not well developed and where insufficient funds are available to strengthen these services chemical control of the LGB cannot be achieved.
At this workshop data will be presented showing that LGB infestations continue to spread. It seems likely that more countries are infested than we know. The need to introduce biological control, preferably as a component of an integrated approach, is more Urgent than ever. Teretriosoma is the most promising biological control agent and its immediate release into Africa should be seriously considered. However the workshop cannot decide on this. It is up to the national authorities to allow its release or not.
At this workshop all available knowledge and field experience with LGB control, relevant to Africa has been brought together. Therefore the workshop has the obligation to formulate realistic and technically sound recommendations with respect to the release of Teretriosoma. There is no other body with the required technical expertise that can do so. In this context I would like to stress that the views expressed by the participants during this workshop do not commit governments or organizations.
Procedures to be followed when introducing biological control agents vary from country to country Often there are no laid down procedures at all. At the request of the international Organization for Biological Control, FAO is developing a code of conduct for the introduction of biological control agents. This is however a lengthy process and therefore this code may only be ready in one form or another towards the end of next year (1991). For guidance in our undertaking I have compared the activities conducted in Togo and else where with respect to biological control with Teretriosoma with the procedures recommended in the latest draft of the code. I found these in complete agreement with each other. Teretriosoma has been introduced into Togo using the correct quarantine procedures. The national authorities have been provided with all relevant information and the inter-African Phytosanitary Council has been informed about the introduction. The tests recommended at the Cotonou meeting to assess the specificity of Teretriosoma as a predator for LGB are comprehensive.
Before the release of Teretriosoma can be considered, three questions need to be answered satisfactorily.
These aspects should be discussed in depth. The release of Teretriosoma is a pioneering activity. The workshop should provide guidance on procedures to be followed. Although the formulation of recommendations for the release of Teretriosoma is the most important output of this workshop, we should not give the impression that with the release of Teretriosoma the LGB problem is solved. An eventual release means the introduction of another control technique. Much ecological and applied research in Africa and in Mesoamerica on Teretriosoma and the LGB is required to achieve sustainable control. New monitoring techniques need to be developed. Therefore the workshop also needs to formulate recommendations with respect to required follow up studies.
The programme has been divided into four sessions, each dealing with a particular aspect of LGB control. This is to be followed by a general discussion and the formulation of recommendations. I am confident that this workshop will meet our expectations.
Thank you for your attention.