The Second International Conference on Biological Control: Biocontrol Contributions to One Health (2icbc2025) successfully took place at Radisson Blu Atria, Bengaluru, India, from 25–28 February 2025. The event, organised by the Society for Biocontrol Advancement (SBA) and the Indian Council of Agricultural Research –National Bureau of Agricultural Insect Resources (ICAR–NBAIR), gathered over 400 delegates, including scientists, global experts, policymakers, industry leaders and young researchers, to discuss biocontrol strategies within the context of One Health. Countries like Australia, Germany, Indonesia, Italy, Japan, Kenya, the Netherlands, Taiwan and USA, besides India were represented at the event, which centered on the vital role of biological control in sustainable agriculture, pest management and ecosystem health.

During the Opening Ceremony on 25 February, Dr S.N. Sushil, President of 2icbc2025 and Director of ICAR–NBAIR, welcomed the delegates and emphasised the importance of having fruitful discussions and deliberations over the next three days on sustainable, ecofriendly solutions in agriculture and environmental health.The Chief Guest, Dr Raghu Sathyamurthy, President of the International Organisation for Biological Control and Research Director (Biosecurity), CSIRO, Australia, praised SBA and ICAR–NBAIR for organising this conference and highlighted India's opportunity to lead globally in biological control of crop pests. Dr Johannes Jehle, Director of the Institute for Biological Control, Julius Kühn-Institute, Germany, emphasised the importance of sharing ideas and innovations in biological control, noting that the reliance on chemical pesticides had hindered progress, but a global shift towards biological solutions is underway. Dr Shiroma Sathyapala, Forestry Officer (Protection & Health) at FAO, Italy, highlighted FAO's role in promoting One Health and addressing global hunger through biocontrol. Dr P.K. Singh, Agricultural Commissioner, Government of India, underscored the need for the commercial exploitation of biocontrol agents for farmer sustainability. Dr. Poonam Jasrotia, Assistant Director-General (Plant Protection & Biosafety) at ICAR, highlighted the threats posed by transboundary pests and diseases and advocated for a stronger emphasis on biological control. Dr R.G. Agarwal, Chairman Emeritus, DhanukaAgritech Limited, called for the production of high-quality biocontrol agents and stricter regulations to prevent the sale of adulterated biopesticides. Dr Prakya Sreerama Kumar, Chief Organising Secretary of 2icbc2025, thanked the Department of Agricultural Research and Education (DARE), Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare; the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) and the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), Government of India, for granting the necessary permissions and fostering international collaborations.He also thanked the Secretary, DARE& Director-General, ICAR; the Deputy Director-General (Crop Sciences)as well as the international and national Co-Organisers/ Knowledge Partners, including the Directorate of Plant Protection, Quarantine and Storage for their support.

The conference served as a vital platform for addressing a range of issues, including biodiversity conservation, genomics, ecological chemistry, climate-resilient biocontrol technologies, integration of biocontrol agents, biocontrol-compatible technologies and invasive alien pests, among others. Key discussions focussed on biological control as an alternative to synthetic pesticides, safeguarding human health, biodiversity and ecosystem balance. Groundbreaking insights on biocontrol applications, microbial biopesticides, insect pheromones, and nanotechnological interventions for pest management were presented.

On February 27, the Valedictory Ceremony was graced by Dr Ashok Dalwai, IAS, Chairman of the Board of Governors of the Institute for Social and Economic Change & Karnataka Agriculture Price Commission, introduced the concept of the ‘Five Elements of One Health’ and discussed the potential of advanced technologies for sustainable agriculture. Dr S.N. Sushil reiterated the importance of use of biocontrol agents to promote ecological balance. DrSubba Reddy Palli, Professor at the University of Kentucky, USA, shared valuable insights on the significance of practically useful plant protection technologies that benefit farmers. Dr Surendra Dara, Professor and Extension Entomologist at Oregon State University, USA, highlighted India’s advancements in biocontrol technologies. Dr Rangaswamy Muniappan, Director of the IPM Innovation Lab, Virginia Tech, USA, presented strategies for managing climate change-induced pest challenges. Dr S.N. Puri, former Vice-Chancellor of the Central Agricultural Universiry, Imphal, advocated the integration of biocontrol into academic curricula for crop, animal and human health.

The ceremony also witnessed the release of technical bulletins, mobile applications and key publications, marking significant progress in biocontrol research. An award ceremony recognised outstanding contributions and best presentations. Dr Prakya Sreerama Kumar concluded the event with a vote of thanks, expressing gratitude to all contributors and reinforcing the commitment to advancing biocontrol strategies for a healthier planet. On 28 February, the delegates had the opportunity to visit ICAR-NBAIR and interact with the inventors of biocontrol technologies. This comprehensive report on 2icbc2025 was meticulously prepared and submitted by Dr. Deepa Bhagat, Principal Scientist, ICAR-NBAIR. The insights and deliberations from this conference will contribute significantly to shaping future policies, research, and innovations in biological control and sustainable agriculture.

 

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