PLANT PROTECTION EXPERT / ENTOMOLOGIST

AAH is seeking a Plan Protection expert to support the coordination of an integrated pest management (IPM) response, raising awareness among the public (and specifically farmers) on BMSB and other pest and diseases, training agricultural practitioners on management and control methods and supporting key stakeholders in their efforts to combat agricultural pests and diseases.

TASKS AND RESPONSIBILITIES
The following tasks and responsibilities are expected to be accomplished over the 2-week consultancy period:

1. Perform an examination and analysis of orchards and hold meeting with farmers to develop a deeper understanding of pests and diseases impacting upon agricultural sector in Abkhazia.
2. Provide information on integrated approaches to monitoring, managing and controlling hazelnut pests/diseases, with a focus on the:
3. Brown Marmorated Stink Bug
4. Filbert Big Bud Mite
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5. Nut Weevil
6. Hazelnut and Walnut Twig Borer
7. Hazelnut Longhorn Beetle
8. Ambrosia Beetle
9. Provide information on the biology and development processes of the following diseases: Powdery Mildew, Grey Mold and Altenaria spot.
10. Support the process of designing of an informational booklet for farmers on the above topics.
11. Support AAH and key stakeholders to develop a comprehensive monitoring system for BMSB and other pests to establish degree of contamination of hazelnut crops.
12. Support AAH and key stakeholders to develop and design IPM demonstration plots using the ‘attract and kill’ approach.
13. Engage in round table discussions with key stakeholders to discuss all aspects of IPM approaches, application of progressive agrotechnical methods and recommendations on possible biological methods of crop protection and latest developments worldwide.
14. Deliver a comprehensive report of the main findings, together with recommendations for areas of future intervention for pest management.
    Consultant 2: Toxicologist
    The following tasks and responsibilities are expected to be accomplished over the 1-week consultancy period:
15. Provide information and advice to AAH and key stakeholders on the toxicological properties and efficacy of different pesticides for control of BMSB and other pests.
16. Provide advice and recommendations on all safety aspects for transport, handling, storage, usage and disposal of pesticides against BMSB and other pests
17. Provide advice and recommendations on timing and frequency of spraying of crops with pesticides for best results while considering environmental safety.
18. Introduce protocols for spraying of pesticides to relevant departments of d.f. authorities utilising safety and risk reduction measures.
19. Provide training modules for training of spraying teams established in relevant departments of Abkhazian d.f. authorities and for individual farmers.
20. Deliver a comprehensive report of the main findings, together with recommendations for areas of future intervention for pest management.

For further information and how to apply, please, download the Full ToR.