Introduction and application of Insect Life Cycle Modeling (ILCYM) software for pest phenology modeling and risk assessments

Abstract

The newly established Biorisk Management Facility (BIMAF) organized its first ever training — on Modeling under Climate Change Scenarios, 16-20 October, in the IITA station, Republic of Benin. BIMAF offers the first ever training for national partners on how to deal with climate change challenges. The training provided an overview of potential insect modeling tools available and offered a data analysis opportunity to participants that included students and scientists working on climate-driven bio-risks and invasive alien species (IAS). Among important IAS are the tephritid fruit flies, which cause major losses in fruits and vegetables, and the devastating Fall Armyworm (Spodoptera frugiperda) that is now ravaging maize fields throughout sub-Saharan Africa.