Guest Lecture: Innovation in Biological Pest Control at Bengkulu University

The Agroecotechnology Study Program, Faculty of Agriculture, The University of Bengkulu, held a guest lecture titled “Innovation in Biological Pest Control to Support Sustainable Agriculture” on Wednesday, September 25, 2024. This event featured Prof. Dr. Ir. Siti Herlinda, M.Si., from the Faculty of Agriculture, Sriwijaya University, as the main speaker. The lecture was attended by students from the Agroecotechnology and Plant Protection Study Programs, as well as several lecturers, including Prof. Agustin Zarkani, SP., M.Si., Ph.D., Dr. Ir. Hendri Bustaman, MS., and Ir. Nadrawati, MP. from the Plant Protection Study Program.

The guest lecture was opened by the Head of the Department of Crop Cultivation, Prof. Dr. Ir. Reny Herawati, MP., who emphasized the importance of innovation in biological pest control to support environmentally friendly and sustainable agriculture. In her presentation, Prof. Siti Herlinda discussed three main topics, namely the utilization of parasitoids, entomopathogens, and predators as innovative agents of biological control.

The participants gained a deeper understanding of biological control technologies, such as the use of Trichogramma spp. as egg parasitoids and Beauveria bassiana as an entomopathogenic fungus. Additionally, an interactive discussion was held to further explore the benefits of these biological methods in enhancing sustainable agricultural productivity.

As the event concluded, the Head of the Agroecotechnology Study Program, Ir. Eko Suprijono, MP., presented a certificate of appreciation to Prof. Siti Herlinda for her participation. It is hoped that both students and lecturers will be able to apply the knowledge gained in their agricultural practices, especially in facing the challenges of effective and environmentally friendly pest control.