Local rearing of lacewings as biological controls

Biological controls, which involve introducing natural enemies for pest management, offer a promising alternative to chemical pesticides, known for their detrimental human and environmental impacts. With the global population projected to reach 9.7 billion by 2050 and food security concerns escalating, finding sustainable pest management solutions is imperative. While biological controls provide a sustainable option, their efficacy depends on thorough research and effective implementation. Limited accessibility to information on rearing practices creates a significant knowledge gap, leading to reliance on expensive imported biological agents and additional shipping emissions. This financial burden, coupled with farmers' resistance to adopting alternatives, hinders the widespread adoption of biological controls. My research aims to bridge this knowledge gap by developing methods to rear Chrysoperla carnea, a commonly used lacewing in biological control. This will enhance the accessibility of lacewings as an Integrated Pest Management tool, promoting sustainable agriculture, reducing pesticide use, and mitigating associated health and environmental risks.