SDG1 Virtual Event 17th October: Global Change, Pest Invasions, and Migration: Challenges for Rural Communities
Published in Social Sciences and Sustainability
This event will feature presentations by Antonio Biondi (University of Catania) and Dr Samira Abuelgasim Mohamed (International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology), covering:
- The spread of invasive insect pests
- The consequences of pest-induced crop failures, and community-based strategies
- Policy solutions to strengthen agricultural resilience
We’ll wrap up with a dynamic panel discussion and Q&A, where you’ll have the chance to engage directly with these experts. Don’t miss this unique opportunity to learn, connect, and contribute!
📅 Friday, October 17th, 2025
⏰ 15:00 PM CET | 14:00 PM BST | 09:00 AM EST
Register here: https://cassyni.com/events/PuudGVhPpqZDXxerN8D4jX?5mzq7r
Or register to the SDG1 seminar series: https://cassyni.com/s/pest-science
The event will also be recorded, so even if you are unable to attend live, you'll still be able to watch the recording which will be circulated to those who have signed up.
Abstract: In this webinar, our speakers, will highlight the increasing impact of pest infestations driven by global environmental changes, with a focus on how these challenges threaten food security, disrupt migration patterns, and weaken economic resilience in rural communities. Key topics include the spread of invasive insect pests, the consequences of pest-induced crop failures, and community-based strategies and policy solutions to strengthen agricultural resilience. In honour of the UNs International Day for the Eradication of Poverty we aim to inspire others to join the research for more sustainable and resilient crop production. The presentations will be followed by a panel discussion and Q&A session.
Speakers
Antonio Biondi is a full Professor in General and Applied Entomology and Coordinator of the PhD Course in Agricultural, Food and Environmental Science. At the University of Catania he teaches classes in Applied Entomology and Integrated Pest Management to undergraduate and master students. He has given several invited talks at numerous national and international congresses, and he took part to several national and international research projects on various topics related to the sustainable control of insect pests in agro-ecosystems. Most of the scientific results have been published in peer-reviewed journals (h-index: 49) and he got awarded by the yearly title of Highly cited researcher since 2019. He serves as editor for various international journals, as well as peer reviewer of scientific manuscripts and research project proposals. He currently serves ad Editor in Chief for Journal of Pest Science. From 2018 to 2022, he served as a member of the panel of experts of the French ANSES for biological risks for plant health. Member of the the Italian Society of Entomology.
Dr Mohamed Samira Abuelgasim is an agricultural entomologist and biological control specialist within the Plant Health Theme. Her research areas include integrated pest management for insects of horticultural crops with particular interest in classical biological control. As a senior scientist, Dr Mohamed coordinates the BMZ funded project on Tuta absoluta IPM and Fruit flies IPM Technologies Dissemination and Promotion, Funded by Biovision Foundation Switzerland. She is also involves in the Finnish funded project on Adaptation for Food Security and Ecosystem Resilience in Africa (AFERIA). She authored and co-authored over 30 peer reviewed publications. She joined icipe as postdoctoral fellow in 2007 to on work on classical biological control of the invasive fruit flies Bactrocera dorsalis where she has been quite influential in importation of efficient parasitoid species (Fopius arisanus and Diachasmimorpha lomgicudata) from Hawaii and their release in different African countries for suppression of this pest. Back in her home country and before joining icipe Dr Mohamed had worked at the Agricultural Research Cooperation (ARC), Sudan, on insect pests on cool season food legumes (faba bean, chickpea, and lentil) and wheat, within the framework of ICARDA Nile Valley and later Nile Valley and Red Sea Regional Programs.
We look forward to seeing you on the 17th of October.
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Journal of Pest Science
Published since 1925, this is a leading journal dedicated to all facets of pest science, inclusive of agriculture, horticulture, forestry, urban pests, and stored products research.
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Tephritid Fruit Fly
This collection brings together multidisciplinary research that advances our understanding of the ecology, behavior, and management of tephritid fruit flies. It highlights emerging biological insights, innovative control approaches, and sustainable strategies aimed at improving pest monitoring and intervention in a changing global environment.
True fruit flies (Diptera: Tephritidae) represent a key model system at the interface of ecology, evolution, and applied pest management, and continue to pose major challenges to fruit production worldwide. This article collection aims to bring together high-quality research and review articles that advance our understanding of the biological processes underlying the success, spread, and management of these pests. We welcome studies that bridge fundamental and applied research, providing novel insights into the mechanisms shaping fruit fly interactions with their environment, as well as innovative approaches to their control. By integrating diverse perspectives and methodological approaches, this issue seeks to highlight emerging directions and foster the development of more sustainable and effective management strategies for tephritid fruit flies in a rapidly changing world.
Specific topics included in the SI:
- Ecological studies on multitrophic interactions (fruit flies, host plants, natural enemies, microbes).
- Field-based population monitoring, invasion dynamics, and predictive modeling under climate change scenarios.
- Development of novel genetic tools to improve mass-rearing strains and sterile insect technique applications.
- Innovative behavioral and physiological studies addressing overlooked traits, communication systems, and context-dependent responses with applied or evolutionary relevance.
- Integrated pest management strategies combining sterile insects, attractants, biological control, and improved operational tools.
Publishing Model: Hybrid
Deadline: Dec 31, 2026
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