I wanted to post this text a long time ago, since I came back from Izmir last September (2025). It has been such an accelerating moment since then… in a good way. There are lots of good things happening in the last year, and they also keep me very busy — after my family and I went through some very difficult times since 2024. You can read more about that on my Substack (https://substack.com/@boladepelos). I’ve decided to unapologetically speak — and write — my mind, and to share the ideas I’m convinced are of benefit to people. Ideas and thoughts coming from a powerful, nurtured intuition that they are good for nature, humans included.
Today I came with my parents to the eye doctor, and I don’t have internet connection (yay?), which made me remember all those moments sitting in a waiting room, or in a hospital room waiting for news about my dad, or simply being there with him while he was sleeping or recovering. In those quiet moments, I managed to write a lot — not only because I had no internet, but also because those situations made me realize how short life is, and how valuable it is to still be able to use our reasoning to write and say what we believe matters.
As a scientific researcher, I’ve found that beyond the specific moments in research that Hope Jahren describes in her book Lab Girl — when we find a small piece of information that we know is new to the whole world, and for a brief period we are the only ones on the planet who know it — I think the other kind of truly special moment is when we gather with colleagues who work on the same subject and pour so much love into what they do. The most meaningful moments in science are not just about the research; they are about the people behind it. Saioa Legarrea talked about these moments in our conversation a few years ago (link to YouTube video).
Last September, I had the privilege of attending the 9th Meeting of the IOBC-WPRS Working Group on “Integrated Control of Plant-Feeding Mites” in Izmir, Türkiye. Walking into that conference room felt like coming home to a community I’ve been part of for around fifteen years, since my very first year as a PhD student back in 2011.
Here I’m writing down some of the impressions that have stayed with me. To the participants I don’t mention — I’m sorry, it doesn’t mean your presentation wasn’t great. It’s just that my memory, and my emotions, were running very high.
Reconnecting with mentors and friends
Science can sometimes feel like a solitary pursuit, but events like this remind us that we’re part of something much larger — a global community working toward sustainable solutions for agriculture. Seeing familiar faces brought back a flood of memories: late nights in the lab, challenging experiments, moments of breakthrough, and the steady guidance of mentors who shaped my journey.
I was particularly moved to reconnect with Maria Pappas, George Broufas, Juliette Pijnakker, and Markus Knapp — colleagues who were fundamental during my PhD years. Maria and Juliette worked shoulder to shoulder with me in the lab and greenhouses, and I consider them not just collaborators but true mentors. Watching them continue to advance in their careers, making important research contributions and finding innovative solutions for biological control, fills me with both gratitude and inspiration.
Maria Pappas, George Broufas, and all their students showed us a piece that is very important in pest control: the compatibility of natural enemies with the chemical pesticides commonly used. Although using chemical pesticides should be avoided, my own view is that to make the transition from conventional to sustainable agriculture, we first need to reduce pesticide use gradually — and for that, work like theirs, identifying which chemicals are less harmful to natural enemies, is quite important. I talked about this transition path in another post (When biodiversity sanctuaries become contaminated: A reflection on pesticides and hope).
Also on the applied side, Juliette showed us the impact of pollen as an alternative food source for predatory mites, and how, from a commercial point of view, expectations around these results can sometimes be challenging to meet.
Markus talked about the importance of temperature in the life cycle of predatory mites — a very important topic, since it determines the success and establishment of these beneficial arthropods in crops.
Celebrating the next generation
One of the highlights of the conference was witnessing the next generation of researchers making their mark. Alexandra Sierra-Monroy, a Colombian researcher pursuing her PhD at the University of Amsterdam, presented her work on the potential of a predatory soil mite for the biological control of the invasive thrips Echinothrips americanus and Thrips parvispinus, and won second prize in the PhD student competition — a well-deserved recognition of excellent research.
These young scientists bring fresh perspectives and renewed energy to our field, tackling both familiar challenges and emerging threats with creativity and rigor.
The conference program reflected the dynamic nature of our field. We explored new species of both plant-feeding and predatory mites, delved into novel ecosystems, and discussed innovative approaches to pest management. One fascinating presentation came from Pattara Opadith, from Thailand’s Plant Pest Surveillance / Plant Quarantine Research Group, who showed how her research on the lethal temperature and tropical non-host plants of the European red mite, Panonychus ulmi, helps quarantine officials in Thailand assess the risk of this pest establishing in new, warmer regions — exactly the kind of evidence decision-makers need. Octavio Rossetti, a PhD student, showcased research from Brazil’s unique Caatinga ecosystem, a reminder that biodiversity research continues to reveal surprises around the world. Octavio’s team in Brazil has made an extraordinary contribution, showing the diversity of mites in vegetation remnants in areas close to mining sites. Another fascinating topic was related to evaluating a new “swirskii” candidate, presented by Shogo Usugi (Kyoto University), who compared the Japanese indigenous phytoseiid Amblyseius rademacheri with the non-native A. swirskii — and the results look promising. Amblyseius swirskii is an extremely successful predatory mite, but we should keep on searching for native alternatives. Well done, Shogo!
Professor Saboori’s presentation on Trombidioidea mites — including the fascinating red velvet mites — resonated deeply with me, as I share his fascination with these remarkable creatures. While they may never become “commercial products,” their role in regulating herbivore populations in agricultural ecosystems is invaluable. Their extreme reproductive strategy, the “big bang reproduction,” in which females lay all their eggs in one or a few events before dying, demonstrates nature’s incredible adaptability.
Dr. Rostislav Zemek, who organized the very first IOBC meeting I attended back in 2011, presented work on another understudied species: Anystis baccarum, a predatory mite already making an impact on herbivore regulation despite receiving little attention from the commercial world.
Beyond the conference hall
The experience extended well beyond the scientific sessions, thanks to the incredible hospitality of my good friend Dr. Firdevs Ersin. She didn’t just host me — she welcomed me into her home like family, showing me the beauty of her city and making me feel truly at home in Izmir.
Now an associate professor, Firdevs is conducting fascinating research on both plant-feeding and predatory mites, as well as groundbreaking experiments on how moths perceive different plant blends. Her work exemplifies the interconnected nature of agricultural ecology — every piece of the puzzle matters. But beyond her impressive research, it’s her warmth, generosity, and genuine friendship that made this trip so special. I’m deeply grateful for her kindness and for the memories we created.
Together with Firdevs, we also visited a facility producing sterile flies for pest control. The precision of their process and the dedication of the researchers was truly impressive, led by someone deeply committed to making biological control a practical reality. For more information, you can visit their website: https://arastirma.tarimorman.gov.tr/bzmai/Sayfalar/EN/AnaSayfa.aspx.
The congress excursion was equally memorable. We visited a site with exotic trees and plants, experienced the region’s rich agricultural heritage at the olive museum, and learned about Mediterranean society’s deep connection to olive cultivation. Discovering that some olive trees have been producing for around 4,000 years was mind-blowing — a humbling reminder of agriculture’s ancient roots and enduring importance.
Building knowledge for generations
Professor Simoni’s presentation about Antonio Berlese — the father of modern acarine systematics — and his mite collection particularly struck me. Seeing slides from 100 years ago still being used for modern specimen comparisons demonstrated how we build knowledge and tools that serve many generations. This is the legacy we all hope to leave — not just data, but wisdom and resources for those who follow.
Gratitude and looking forward
My deepest thanks go to Ismail, Sophie, George, Ibrahim, and the whole team for their excellent organization, and to all the motivated students who helped with registration and practical arrangements. Their behind-the-scenes work made everything run smoothly, allowing us to focus on what matters most: sharing knowledge and building connections.
I do wish I had prepared a presentation for this meeting — perhaps that’s my commitment for the next one. The discussions and research I witnessed have certainly given me plenty to think about and build upon.
As we face growing challenges in agriculture — climate change, emerging pests, resistance development — meetings like this become even more critical. They’re where we share not just data, but hope, strategies, and the collective wisdom needed to develop truly sustainable solutions.
To my colleagues, old and new: thank you for your dedication to understanding these beautiful and important animals. May we continue this work with passion and purpose, leaving the field stronger for those who come after us.
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