Breeding Natural Enemies To Control Pests

Limpopo insectary Insectec was founded to develop a secure and steady supply of biological pest control solutions for producers of a variety of fruit and vegetable crops. Magda du Toit reports.

- Magda du Toit

Agricultural research and farming practices are increasingly driven by recognition of the need for sustainable agriculture and lower environmental impact. In one such example, Mahela Group, in collaboration with the Komati Fruit Group and Laeveld Sitrus, recently teamed up with a local entrepreneur in a joint venture to develop a state-of-the-art insectary situated in the town of Letsitele in Limpopo.

Founded in 2015, Insectec has expanded from a small laboratory in Tzaneen to become a leader in the production of natural insect predators for use in integrated pest management (IPM) systems on South African farms. The new insectary, which is now Insectec’s main facility, boasts the latest technology and a local research and development team that enables the company to address the specific needs of its clients.

“Although we might be a bit cheeky to claim as much, we believe that we have the largest insectary in the Southern Hemisphere,” says Karel van Heerden, CEO of Insectec. “Our mission is to produce integrated and sustainable solutions for pest management that contribute to healthier and more productive agricultural systems.”

The insectary is run by director and production manager Hannah Otto, who is renowned for her expertise in insect breeding under South African conditions. The facility focuses on the production and application of beneficial organisms used in biological pest control and IPM programmes.

Insects will be mass-produced to support the IPM programmes of citrus and grape farmers both locally and internationally.