Abstract:
PPSE was established in 1992 to promote research and development in plant
protection and assemble high-caliber professionals to advise the government and
other development stakeholders. The society has been the main source of
information on crop pests in Ethiopia and their management. It brings together
novice to veteran professionals of plant protection from different disciplines to
communicate, and share scientific knowledge, and experiences. The Pest
Management Journal and the annual proceedings produced by the society are
valuable resources for researchers, academicians, policymakers, farmers, service
providers, and other professionals related to plant protection.
The status of crop pests is on the continual move with time and space due to
changes in the cropping system, intensification of crop production, and climate
change. The conferences organized by PPSE focus on timely thematic areas
identified by the executive committee in consultation with stakeholders. The
theme of this conference is “Migratory and Invasive Pests Affecting Ethiopian
Agriculture in the Changing Climate: the Responses to and Challenges of the
Current Desert Locust Upsurge.” The society selected this theme due to the
recent mammoth scale of damage caused by the desert locust in Ethiopia; to learn
from the upsurge and get prepared for future invasions. In the plenary session of
the conference the achievements, current status, and future endeavors of desert
locust control in Ethiopia will be amply presented. The desert locust problem is
[2] unique in that it covers large areas, sometimes different continents let alone
countries. Its control is not only based on the knowledge of the science of
Entomology but beyond. It involves different fields of studies; biology, the
chemistry of pesticides, ecology, computer science, geography, mathematics,
management, meteorology, spraying, aircraft management, international relations,
etc. It involves knowledge of climate and weather, monitoring, prediction,
communication and politics, the collaboration between countries, regions,
institutions, communities, and finance. Early warning and prompt action are
mandatory in this task. Invasive and alien species will continue to come to Ethiopia like any other country. The more we advance in our transportation system in and out of the
country, and the exchange of planting materials and movement of goods, it is
likely that new pests can sneak into the country. It is essential to put in place a
strong quarantine system that prohibits the coming of new pests and limits their
spread in the country.
