The benefits of ReNuAL for the laboratories

Insect Pest Control Laboratory

The IPCL is part of the Joint FAO/IAEA Division of Nuclear Techniques in Food and Agriculture and provides support to FAO and IAEA Member States in the use of the sterile insect technique (SIT), which is integrated with other biological methodologies for environmentally-friendly control of insect pests. The laboratory has four research areas: plant pests, pest genetics, tsetse and mosquitoes. It is a world renowned and unique ‘centre of excellence’ in the field of insect strain development and mass rearing and sterilisation procedures. It is also a repository of a multitude of different insect species, strains and mutants.

The benefits of the ReNuAL project      

The modernised IPCL buildings will provide separated office, training and storage space from the insect rearing and laboratory areas and will comply with modern laboratory practices, including special filters to keep pathogens out and quarantine infrastructure to avoid escapes of pest insects. New tsetse, mosquito and genetics facilities will provide for the development of improved SIT packages for disease vectors and genetic studies. A refurbished fruit fly area and new greenhouse will provide for better insect rearing and quality control procedures and provide a modern environment for research and training of Member States' scientists.