Mass trapping for control of Sorghum chafer, Pachnoda interrupta, in Ethiopia

Sorghum chafer is a key pest on sorghum in Ethiopia. Presently, there is no satisfactory method for control. The aim of the project is to develop a management system based on mass trapping with combined plant odor/pheromone lures. This requires identification of behaviorally active plant compounds and identification and synthesis of pheromone components. The method is species specific with no impact on other organisms or on the environment. The project is a collaboration with Dr Emiru at Addis Ababa University, with whom we have a joint project in the SIDA/Sarec financed PhD training program. The project contributes to a sustainable and intensified network between the departments. It thus creates a stimulating scientific environment, favourable for an expansion of joint projects to encompass also other species and other aspects of chemical ecology in integrated pest management in Ethiopia.

Funding

SIDA/Sarec

Personnel

Jonas Bengtsson, Ylva Hillbur