Marc Kenis

Centre for Agricultural Bioscience International | CABI · CABI Switzerland

Traditional avian production in developing countries is experiencing low productivity, of which one of the major causes is the absence or insufficiency of protein in their diet. The conventional sources of such proteins are vegetable seeds and their cakes (peanut, soy, etc.), fish or meat meal, etc. This bibliographical synthesis focuses on the rep...

Ganaspis Foerster includes several cryptic species that are important larval parasitoids of the invasive pest Drosophila suzukii (Matsumura), spotted-wing drosophila (SWD). Drosophila suzukii, native to Asia, was first discovered in 2008 in North America and Europe, becoming a devastating pest of soft-skinned fruit crops. Biological control could b...

The invasion of Cydalima perspectalis (Walker, 1859) (Lepidoptera, Crambidae) poses a significant threat to European ecosystems and North American ornamentals. In an effort to identify potential biological control agents from the native habitats of C. perspectalis, a field survey was conducted from 2022 to 2024 in South Korea. During the survey, a...

Climate change and globalization are accelerating biological invasions, highlighting the urgent need to understand adaptation mechanisms in invaded environments to improve management strategies. Genomic data can provide insights into the adaptation of invasive species through Genotype-Environment Association (GEA) studies, identifying genes and bio...

Background Fall armyworm, Spodoptera frugiperda , is a highly invasive pest of maize and other crops worldwide. It has recently been detected in Europe, and it is urgent to test and develop new sustainable control methods adapted to the European context and market. Trichogramma spp. are egg parasitoids that are sometimes used as biological control...

Human society is anchored in the global agroecosystem. For millennia, this system has provided humans with copious supplies of nutrient-rich food. Yet, through chemical intensification and simplification, vast shares of present-day farmland derive insufficient benefits from biodiversity and prove highly vulnerable to biotic stressors. Here, we argu...

Fall armyworm (FAW), Spodoptera frugiperda (J.E. Smith), has become one of the main invasive species on earth since it was first found outside its native range in Africa in 2016. Integrated pest management (IPM) is a comprehensive tool that can help farmers managing pests while reducing the need of synthetic pesticides. Within an IPM strategy, prop...

During the last decade, the spotted-wing drosophila, Drosophila suzukii, has spread from eastern Asia to the Americas, Europe, and Africa. This fly attacks many species of cultivated and wild fruits with soft, thin skins, where its serrated ovipositor allows it to lay eggs in undamaged fruit. Parasitoids from the native range of D. suzukii may prov...

The box tree moth Cydalima perspectalis (Walker) (Lepidoptera: Crambidae) (BTM) is a native moth throughout eastern Asia, having recently become invasive in Europe (2007) where it feeds on boxwood (= box tree), Buxus spp. The moth rapidly spread across Europe and the Caucasus causing damage to both ornamental and wild Buxus. In 2018, C. perspectali...

Marchalina hellenica Gennadius (Hemiptera: Marchalinidae) is a scale insect native to Greece and Turkey and presently invasive in Australia, where it damages pine plantations. The silver fly, Neoleucopis kartliana Tanasijtshuk (Diptera: Chamaemyiidae), is the most abundant predator of M. hellenica in Greece and is presently being investigated as a...

Findings and identification of new species of beneficial organisms (native, non-native) such as parasitoids, predators and predatory mites can be important for the biological control of agricultural pests. By finding and confirming new species of beneficial insects and mites in Slovenia, if they are also on the EPPO Positive List, we can add them t...

Recent years have seen a substantial increase in invasive insect species invading countries worldwide. Many of these insect species (e.g., brown marmorated stink bug, spotted lanternfly,spotted wing drosophila) are highly polyphagous and are considered as high-risk biosecurity threats to valued plant systems in many countries and can result in mult...

Non-native invasive arthropod species threaten biodiversity and food security worldwide, resulting in substantial economic, environmental, social and cultural costs. Classical biological control (CBC) is regarded as a cost-effective component of integrated pest management programmes to manage invasive arthropod pests sustainably. However, CBC progr...

Simple Summary The black soldier fly is a tropical and subtropical fly that is increasingly used in animal feed worldwide. Its larvae develop in organic plant or animal matter and agro-industrial by-products. In Africa, they represent a source of protein that can help improve local poultry feed rations. The aim of this study was to improve the tech...

The 6/04 standard of the European and Mediterranean Plant Protection Organisation (EPPO) on the safe use of biological control is a decision-support scheme (DSS) for the import and release of biological control agents in Europe. It was recently developed by the Joint EPPO/International Organisation of Biological Control (IOBC) Panel on Biological C...

The silver fly Leucopis hennigrata McAlpine is a predator of the silver fir wooly adelgid, Adelges nordmannianae (Eckstein), a pest in the European production of Christmas trees. While the fly is known to be a common native predator of the adelgid in Georgia, Turkey, and central Europe, it is absent from northern Europe, where the Christmas tree pr...

Non-native pests, climate change, and their interactions are likely to alter relationships between trees and tree-associated organisms with consequences for forest health. To understand and predict such changes, factors structuring tree-associated communities need to be determined. Here, we analysed the data consisting of records of insects and fun...

The fall armyworm (FAW), Spodoptera frugiperda (JE Smith, 1797), is a serious pest of several crops, particularly maize and other cereals. It has long been known as a pest in the Americas and has invaded most of Africa and parts of the Middle East, Asia, and Australia in the last six years. Its new status as an invasive species causing serious dama...

In the search for new, cheaper and environmentally sustainable sources of protein-rich food, much research has shown the alternative role that insects could play in animal feed. Fly larvae or maggots have been identified as a food source that is very rich in protein, dietary fat, vitamins and minerals. The most commonly used maggots in animal feed...

Non-native pests, climate change, and their interactions are likely to alter relationships between trees and tree-associated organisms with consequences for forest health. To understand and predict such changes, factors structuring tree-associated communities need to be determined. Here, we analysed the data consisting of records of insects and fun...

Fall armyworm, Spodoptera frugiperda (J.E. Smith) is a polyphagous agricultural pest threatening food security worldwide. This American species recently invaded most of Africa, many Asian countries, and Oceania, where it mainly damages maize. Classical biological control (CBC) through the introduction of natural enemies from its area of origin is c...

The use of sentinel woody plants in experimental plantings, Botanical Gardens and Arboreta has been experimentally validated as a tool for identifying possible unknown future threats prior to their introduction into new countries. Sentinel Plantings were recently established in Italy, France, Switzerland, China and South Africa, using a common expe...

Marchalina hellenica (Hemiptera: Marchalinidae), an endemic species in Greece and Turkey, is a major contributor to the annual honey production in its native range. However, in the areas that it invades, lacking natural enemies, it has detrimental effects on pine trees and potentially contributes to tree mortality. Although it was originally report...

Objectifs : Cette étude avait pour objectif, d’apprécier l’évolution des perceptions des agro-éleveurs sur la production des asticots et leur utilisation dans l’alimentation de la volaille au Burkina Faso. Méthodologie et résultats : Deux enquêtes à travers des interviews individuelles ont été réalisées dans les villages de Gombélédougou et de Sini...

The outbreak of the fall armyworm, Spodoptera frugiperda, in Africa has led to several recommendations of insecticides, including biopesticides. However, the effects of these products on the environment, especially on parasitoids have not been assessed under field conditions. Here, we investigated the effect of commonly used biopesticides on S. fru...

We here review and discuss management options that growers in Europe could take in response to the expected invasion of the fall armyworm, Spodoptera frugiperda (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae). The focus is put on maize but the information provided is also relevant for other crops potentially affected. A sound forecasting system for fall armyworm both on...

Invasive alien species (IAS) rank among the most significant drivers of species extinction and ecosystem degradation resulting in significant impacts on socio-economic development. The recent exponential spread of IAS in most of Africa is attributed to poor border biosecurity due to porous borders that have failed to prevent initial introductions....

Identifying the invasion routes of non-native species is crucial to understanding invasions and customizing management strategies. The box tree moth, Cydalima perspectalis , is native to Asia and was recently accidentally introduced into Europe as a result of the ornamental plant trade. Over the last 15 years, it has spread across the continent and...

Larvae of black soldier fly (BSF), Hermetia illucens (L.1758) (Diptera: Stratiomyidae), are increasingly being used as animal feed ingredients. Larvae are usually produced by placing eggs, obtained from adult rearing on growing substrates but can also be obtained by exposing substrates to naturally occurring BSF females. In the latter system, the s...

RESUME Les asticots constituent une source alternative de protéines animales pour pallier au problème d'alimentation auquel est confrontée l'aviculture. Cette étude, conduite au Burkina Faso avait pour objectifs de déterminer la date appropriée de récolte des asticots, d'identifier les substrats potentiels de production ainsi que les meilleurs attr...

In Burkina Faso, the leaf beetle Aphthona whitfieldi is the main insect pest of the biofuel plant Jatropha curcas that affects plant growth and seed yield. This study was conducted on-station and on-farm in the district of Léo, southern Burkina Faso, in 2015. It aimed at evaluating the yield losses that A. whitfieldi inflicts to J. curcas. The firs...

Classical biological control, i.e., the introduction of natural enemies from an invasive pest’s area of origin, has been proposed repeatedly to control the spotted wing drosophila Drosophila suzukii in the Americas and in Europe. Results from surveys in Asia and laboratory experiments suggest the parasitoid G1 Ganaspis cf. brasiliensis as a suitabl...

International trade in plants and climate change are two of the main factors causing damaging tree pests (i.e. fungi and insects) to spread into new areas. To mitigate these risks, a large-scale assessment of tree-associated fungi and insects is needed. We present records of endophytic fungi and insects in twigs of 17 angiosperm and gymnosperm gene...

International trade in plants and climate change are two of the main factors causing damaging tree pests (i.e. fungi and insects) to spread into new areas. To mitigate these risks, a large-scale assessment of tree-associated fungi and insects is needed. We present records of endophytic fungi and insects in twigs of 17 angiosperm and gymnosperm gene...

Invasive alien species (IAS) continue to shape the global landscape through their effects on biological diversity and agricultural productivity. The effects are particularly pronounced in Sub-Saharan Africa, which has seen the arrival of many IAS in recent years. This has been attributed to porous borders, weak cross border biosecurity, and inadequ...

Neoleucopis kartliana Tanasijtshuk (Diptera, Chamaemyiidae) is the most abundant predator of the giant pine scale (GPS), Marchalina hellenica (Hemiptera, Margarodidae) in Greece. GPS is native to Greece and Turkey, where it is not considered a pest of Pinus spp., but a valuable resource for pine honey production. However, its introduction to new ar...

This datasheet on Cameraria ohridella covers Identity, Overview, Distribution, Dispersal, Hosts/Species Affected, Diagnosis, Biology & Ecology, Environmental Requirements, Natural Enemies, Impacts, Prevention/Control, Further Information.

This datasheet on Lilioceris lilii covers Identity, Overview, Distribution, Dispersal, Hosts/Species Affected, Diagnosis, Biology & Ecology, Environmental Requirements, Natural Enemies, Impacts, Prevention/Control, Further Information.

This datasheet on Cydalima perspectalis covers Identity, Overview, Distribution, Dispersal, Hosts/Species Affected, Diagnosis, Biology & Ecology, Environmental Requirements, Natural Enemies, Impacts, Uses, Prevention/Control, Further Information.

This study aimed to promote the use of termites as feed in traditional poultry farming by developing sustainable and inexpensive termite trapping techniques. Various tests were carried out in Burkina Faso to improve the traditional technique of trapping termites of the genus Macrotermes using a reversed container filled with organic matters. We stu...

The South American tomato pinworm, Tuta absoluta (Meyrick) (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae), has invaded most Afro-Eurasian countries and is threatening worldwide tomato production. Various strategies have been developed and implemented to manage this pest. Here, we present a timely review on the up-to-date development and practical implementation of int...

RESUME Les larves de mouches domestiques (asticots) sont utilisées comme apport protéinique pour la volaille en Afrique de l'Ouest. Les asticots sont obtenus en exposant des substrats aux mouches présentes dans la nature. Cette étude vise à améliorer les techniques de production et d'extraction des asticots et à mettre au point des méthodes simples...

Les larves de mouches domestiques (asticots) sont utilisées comme apport protéinique pour la volaille en Afrique de l’Ouest. Les asticots sont obtenus en exposant des substrats aux mouches présentes dans la nature. Cette étude vise à améliorer les techniques de production et d’extraction des asticots et à mettre au point des méthodes simples de séc...

Invasive alien species (IAS) rank among the most significant drivers of species extinction and ecosystem degradation, causing significant impacts on ecosystem services, human well-being and socio-economic development. Recent invasions have spread rapidly in Africa due to porous borders constraining maintenance of border biosecurity. Countries also...

The use of insects such as black soldier fly (Hermetia illucens) and common housefly (Musca domestica) as an alternative source of protein in animal feed has gained interest in recent years. This study investigated the effect of four growing substrates on the biomass, crude nutrient and mineral composition of M. domestica larvae. After a 5-day grow...

In Burkina Faso, the leaf beetle Aphthona whitfieldi is the main insect pest of the biofuel plant Jatropha curcas . The beetle affects plant growth and seed yield, but the impact on yield has never been properly quantified. This study was conducted on-station and on-farm in the district of Léo, southern Burkina Faso, in 2015. It aimed at evaluating...

This 138-paged book highlights the opportunity for the inclusion of insects into animal feed for livestock, pets, aquaculture and exotics. It also details the challenges which still need to be overcome to enable the global establishment of insect farming as a profitable and sustainable source of feed ingredients. The aim is to provide information t...

Invasive alien species have environmental, economic and social impacts, disproportionally threatening livelihood and food security of smallholder farmers in low-and medium-income countries. Fall armyworm (FAW) (Spodoptera frugiperda), an invasive insect pest from the Americas, causes considerable losses on maize to smallholder farmers in Africa sin...

In response to the threat caused by the fall armyworm to African maize farmers, we conducted a series of field release studies with the egg parasitoid Telenomus remus in Ghana. Three releases of ≈15,000 individuals each were conducted in maize plots of 0.5 ha each in the major and minor rainy seasons of 2020, and compared to no-release control plot...

Many factors can affect the success and failure of classical biological control. However, these factors have mainly been studied independently of each other, which leaves their relative importance within the complexity of classical biological control (CBC) programmes unknown. Therefore, we set out to take a more holistic view on the factors that ma...

The fall armyworm, Spodoptera frugiperda , an American Lepidoptera, is invasive in Africa and Asia and currently one of the most damaging cereal pests in the tropics. The ichneumonid parasitoid, Eiphosoma laphygmae , is a potential classical biological control agent. We assessed existing knowledge on biology, identified natural distributions, colla...

Background: The black soldier fly (Hermetia illucens) is the most promising insect candidate for nutrient-recycling through bioconversion of organic waste into biomass, thereby improving sustainability of protein supplies for animal feed and facilitating transition to a circular economy. Contrary to conventional livestock, genetic resources of farm...

Background The black soldier fly (Hermetia illucens) is the most promising insect candidate for nutrient-recycling through bioconversion of organic waste into biomass, thereby improving sustainability of protein supplies for animal feed and facilitating transition to a circular economy. Contrary to conventional livestock, genetic resources of farme...

Drosophila suzukii (Diptera: Drosophilidae) infests a variety of commercial fruits, including cherries and other soft-skinned fruits. After the cropping season of most cultivated crop hosts, it heavily infests the fruit of a wild host-plant, Osyris wightiana in southwest China. Here, we employ gas chromatography-electroantennographic detection (GC-...

Increased tree mortality has become a widespread phenomenon and is largely attributed to climate change. Little field research has addressed the complex interactions between trees, herbivores, and their natural enemies as affected by temperature. We recorded the densities of bark insects and their natural enemies emerging from felled trees in Scots...

Les caractéristiques de Drosophila suzukii (fécondité, plantes-hôtes, nombre de génération...) en font un ravageur difficile à maîtriser en cultures fruitières, en particulier en verger de cerisier et en cultures de fruits rouges (fraise, framboise). Les solutions actuelles ne donnent pas entièrement satisfaction, du fait de contraintes techniques...

A long-term monitoring was conducted at 40 sites in four different habitats in north-western Switzerland to observe changes in populations of native ladybirds, following the invasion of the Asian harlequin ladybird, Harmonia axyridis. From 2006 to 2017, the same trees and meadows were sampled at least seven times per year using standard protocols....

En Afrique de l’Ouest, les termites sont communément utilisés comme alimentation protéinique pour la volaille. Cette étude avait pour objectif de tester et d’améliorer une méthode traditionnelle de collecte des termites par piégeage avec un récipient renversé, au Nord du Burkina Faso. Des essais ont été menés avec deux genres de termites (Macroterm...

Background Housefly ( Musca domest ica L. 1758) larvae are used in various parts of the world for animal feeding either by exposing substrates for natural oviposition or in industrial systems involving an adult rearing unit to produce eggs that are then placed in a substrate suitable for larval development. In order to develop M. domestica rearing...

Uncertainty about the taxonomic status and the specificity of a species commonly prevent its consideration as a candidate for biological control of pest organisms. Here we use a combination of molecular analysis and crossing experiments to gather evidence that the parasitoid wasp Ganaspis brasiliensis, a candidate for biological control of the inva...