Hans R. Herren
Millennium Institute
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Primary Section: 61, Animal, Nutritional, and Applied Microbial Sciences Membership Type:
International Member
(elected 1998)
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Research Interests
With a background in agronomy and specialization in entomology, my research experience covers biological control of exotic and indigenous pests and integrated pest management (IPM). This experience, acquired in projects executed within sub-Saharan Africa, has caused my approach to pest management to shift from a curative to a preventive one. The latter approach requires, as a first step, an understanding of the host plant's ecology and the influence of biotic and abiotic factors on its growth and pest population build-up. Such knowledge helps farmers effectively and sustainably reduce the need for pesticides. More recently, I have been directing research on gene flow models and the medium- to long-term impact of genetically modified (GM) plants, including the best possible agronomic practices for their efficient and sustainable cultivation. This is key to providing policymakers with information on the conditions under which such plants may be released. My latest research efforts address poverty alleviation, sustainable agricultural productivity, and biodiversity conservation in Africa. This includes the study of African honeybees and their commercial products, development of new rearing technologies for indigenous silk moths, and elucidation of the ecosystem services provided by, particularly, pollinators and soilborne insects.
