Biocontrol and Applied Entomology Lab

We use insects for biological control of alien weeds and dung. Biocontrol research includes finding new agents and doing host specificty trials, post-release evaluation of agents; modelling of agents and weed population; phylogeography of weeds and hyperspectral imagery for assessment of agent impacts. Using dung beetles we explore the biology of these insects as model animals which can be used to test ideas in orientation, sexual selection and growth. Research activities are split between field based experiments/evaluations and on-site experiments which are mainly done in the new Wits Insectary and Quarantine Facility.