Endangered Species

Program Chair: Rory McDonnell and Véronique Martel

Insects are the most diverse and abundant group of animals on the planet and play critical roles in the functioning of terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems.  However, land use change, introduced species, climate change, pollution, and loss of habitat have resulted in significant declines in many parts of the world. In this session, we will examine some of the world’s endangered insect species, their ecology, threats to their existence, and measures being taken to help conserve them.

Virus Vector Interaction

Program Chair: Sophie Bouvaine

A large number of viruses responsible for devastating diseases of plants, humans, and animals rely exclusively on insect vectors for their dissemination between hosts. Modes of transmission vary between systems; however, the spread of these viruses always requires specific interactions between the virus and its vector. This knowledge is crucial to develop vector control methods that ultimately curb the spread of diseases.

Climate Change and Its Impact on Biological Control

Program Chairs: Joan van Baaren

In the context of climate change, the aim of this topic is to present the effects of different aspects of climate changes (higher temperatures or CO2 levels, higher frequency of extreme events) on the control of insect pests in different ecological systems (forestry, arable crops, horticulture, vegetable crops) and in different types of interacting species (prey and predators, hosts and parasitoids, entomophtoralean fungi and pests….).