Hortgro Supports Science: Advancing Entomology at the 24th ESSA Congress

The 24th Congress of the Entomological Society of Southern Africa (ESSA), held from July 8 to 11, 2025, at the University of the Free State in Bloemfontein, brought together leading researchers, academics, and students to share breakthroughs in insect science.  

Hortgro was well-represented through the participation of several of its entomologists and postgraduate students, many of whom presented research funded by the organisation. These young scientists had the opportunity to showcase their work through oral presentations and posters, representing the next generation of agricultural innovation. 

Their participation not only reflects Hortgro’s commitment to capacity building and academic excellence but also demonstrates the organisation’s long-standing support for integrated pest management (IPM) and sustainable production systems in the deciduous fruit industry. 

Presentations by other researchers at the ESSA conference covered a wide array of entomological topics, with several of relevance to the deciduous fruit sector: 

• Baculoviruses for codling moth and false codling moth (FCM) 

• Repellents as a novel method for FCM control 

• Cold treatment viability testing for FCM larvae 

• Chemical cues in FCM behaviour 

• Biocontrol strategies, including parasitoid usage 

• Post-harvest control of various mealybug species 

• Discovery of a novel virus in the fruit-piercing moth 

Each of these research areas, along with several others, contributes to the development of improved pest control strategies that are environmentally responsible and aligned with global phytosanitary standards, which are essential for maintaining access to export markets, says Dr Minette Karsten, Hortgro Crop Protection Manager. 

“Events like the ESSA Congress provide a critical platform for knowledge exchange, mentorship, and collaboration, and Hortgro’s investment in this space reinforces its dedication to long-term industry sustainability,” Karsten said. 

Caption: Delegation of Hortgro Entomologists and Hortgro-funded postgraduate students who participated in the ESSA congress. From the left: Matthew Addison, Nanike Esterhuizen, Shelley Johnson, Leander Engelbrecht (PhD student), Liana de Araujo (PhD student), Andrea Bennett (MSc student), Chloë Meck (MSc student), Melissa Calitz (MSc student), Lisa Kleyn (MSc student), Marlené van Rooyen-Saayman (MSc student), AC Kleynhans (MSc student) and Minette Karsten. 

Caption, clockwise from top right: Liana de Araujo presenting her work on mealybug fumigation and Leander Engelbrecht presenting on grain chinch bug control; AC Kleynhans, Lisa Kleyn and Melissa Calitz in front of the posters they presented at the ESSA congress.