Pest management

ELIB

Currently, the control of insect pests in agricultural landscapes is mainly carried out by the repeated use of chemical treatments. One to four insecticide treatments are applied in fields or in food storages per year with consequences on environment and human health due mainly to toxic residues. Although these treatments are efficient, widespread development of insecticide resistance has been observed.

In response of growing interest of society for organic production, farmers and political authorities are looking for more sustainable solutions. It is in this context that our research is taking place by studying two possible alternatives to the use of synthetic pesticides:

1) Essential oils

2) Parasitoids