Biological control agents can be produced locally to reduce pesticide use
7 February 2025 – Castries, Saint Lucia – The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) is collaborating with Zamorano University in response to the request from the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Food Security and Rural Development to introduce and promote the use of biological control agents in Saint Lucia.
Biological control involves the use of beneficial organisms such as insects, fungi and bacteria to prevent and manage pests and diseases affecting various crops. According to Mr. Melvin Medina Navarro, FAO’s Plant Production and Protection Officer, “One of the impacts of climate change is increased occurrence of pests and diseases. Strengthening capacities in biological control will enable Saint Lucia to protect its crops while reducing reliance on synthetic pesticides”. He further stated, “Zamorano University has extensive experience in research and commercial production of biological agents for effective biocontrol on small, medium and large-scale farms across Central America under tropical conditions.”
In November 2024, FAO and Zamorano University signed a Letter of Agreement for a one-year initiative to develop local capacities for biological pest control. As part of this initiative, a mission was conducted from February 7 – 10, during which:
- An in-country evaluation was conducted to assess the status of biological control and identify opportunities for implementation in Saint Lucia.
- The capabilities of staff and equipment at the National Diagnostic Facility (NADF) were assessed to determine their potential for reproducing biological control agents.
- A group of 23 participants, including plant protection officers, extension officers and students from the agriculture college, received training on Integrated Pest Management (IPM) with an emphasis on biological control agents.
Field assessments indicated that biological control agents such as Trichoderma harzianum and Beauveria bassiana could provide sustainable alternatives for managing pests and diseases affecting fruits, vegetables as well as roots and tubers in Saint Lucia.
Mr. Rogelio Trabanino, Senior Professor and Chief of the Biological Control Laboratory at Zamorano University, commented that, “Our visit to Saint Lucia was insightful, as we had the opportunity to learn directly from farmers about their main challenges and pest control methods. This will help us determine which natural enemies would be most useful and effective. The workshop participants were highly engaged and eager for the other planned activities to be undertaken over the coming months. Additionally, the facilities at the diagnostic laboratory are impressive, providing a strong foundation for technicians to begin small-scale production of biological control agents once they complete their training at Zamorano”.
In May 2025, two NADF staff will undergo practical training at Zamorano University’s laboratory on the production of biopesticides, beneficial insects (natural enemies), entomopathogenic nematodes, and beneficial bacteria. Upon their return to Saint Lucia, they will be equipped to identify, multiply, and distribute local biological control agents to farmers.
This initiative will provide farmers with greater access to efficient, environmentally friendly alternatives for pest and disease management, benefiting both agricultural productivity and food safety. It is expected that other Caribbean countries will benefit from the biocontrol facilities in Saint Lucia through training opportunities.
Ms. Hannah Romain, Chief Plant Research Officer from the Ministry of Agriculture and head of NADF, emphasized the significance of this initiative, stating, “FAO’s support in strengthening Saint Lucia’s capacity in Integrated Pest Management, specifically biological control, is both timely and essential. Over the years, the Ministry has been promoting Integrated Pest Management in the face of climate change and to ensure food safety practices among farmers. The Ministry welcomes the expertise from Zamorano University and looks forward to building a safe and sustainable agricultural system”
