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Is biological control of the Larger Grain Borer economically efficient?
The material and human inputs required for surveys, mass rearing and release are not inconsiderable. GTZ experience in Togo shows that a comprehensive programme costs around DM 150,000 per annum. Nevertheless, successful results can be achieved at considerably lower cost (a few thousand DM/year), although dispersion will then take longer. Financial inputs are heavily dependent on rational use of existing human and other resources. Many donor organisations are highly receptive to the idea of supporting the biological control of P.t., which would make it affordable for affected countries.
The control method described in this brochure has the key advantage that the predator continues to propagate self-reliantly after release, and P.t. control continues without further human intervention This results in a very positive cost-benefit ratio over the course of time and high economic efficiency and sustainability. At farm level, successful biological control is always profitable, farmers incur no costs at all, whilst deriving the full benefits.