Potential of synergies between biocontrol methods for pest management: The Biophora Initiative

Synergies between biocontrol methods are raised as a promising way to reach satisfying levels of pest control. Cirad (French Agricultural Research Centre for International Development, Montpellier, France), through the Biophora initiative (Biocontrol Phoretic Agents), has developed a pest management concept where biocides can be efficiently and directionally dispersed thanks to phoretic agents. In Senegal, exploratory experiments have been carried out to control the major invasive pest Bactrocera dorsalis. This fruit fly species recently invaded the African continent and is causing massive damages to mango orchards, both exportation orchards and family farming. Potentials of sterile fruit flies and predatory ants as carriers of an entomopathogen fungus were explored in laboratory and field experiments. First results, synergies but also pitfalls, will be presented and discussed.