Jochem Bonte

Orius spp. as biological control agent in South Africa

In cooperation with the South African Sugarcane Research Institute (SASRI), the main aim of this research is to find suitable natural enemies of the sugar cane thrips Fulmekiola serrata Kobus. Predataory bugs of the genus Orius have big potential and their biology will be examined. Later on, the results will be extrapolated to thrips species in common causing substantial economic damage to important South African crops.