Conference Theme – Biological Control: Approaches and Applications
Globally, up to 30% of agricultural yields are affected by pests and diseases despite intensive chemical pesticide use. Biological control of insect pests and diseases is one of the major ecosystem services provided to agriculture worldwide. Natural enemies such as predators, parasitoids and pathogens play a major role in limiting damage caused by nature and exotic pests. The main theme of the conference is to address issues related to various biological control approaches in the context of biodiversity, increased chemical pesticide pressure and climate change. The emphasis would also be on the challenges faced by researchers, farmers and other stakeholders in implementing biological control programs. The conference would include keynote addresses, plenary and oral presentations and poster sessions.