Pia Addison

My research is focussed on integrated pest management (IPM) within the fruit
industries of, primarily, the Western Cape Province. I am particularly interested in the morphology and taxonomy, basic biology and ecology of major fruit pests and their natural enemies. This research forms the basis of more applied projects in our Department, which aim to enable fruit producers to grow pesticide-free fruit by using
alternate, area-wide management strategies. Specific fields of interest include habitat
management in vineyards and biological control. My current projects include: morphology,
taxonomy and ecology of various pests; fruit fly (Tephritidae) ecology and management; sugar cane pests (in collaboration with SASRI). Specific pests that interest me include: Linepithema humile,
Anoplolepis spp., Crematogaster peringueyi, Planococcus ficus (and associated mealybug
parasitoids), Anagyrus spp., Ceratitis capitata and C. rosa, Thaumatotibia leucotreta and other
tortricid pests, Ectomyelois ceratoniae.