| Project name | Taxonomy and biology of Leucinodes species (grass moths) from Africa |
| Project coordinator | Czech University of Life Science, Prague – Faculty of Forestry and Wood Sciences |
| Investigator | Frank Richard Mally, PhD. |
| Implementation period | 16/2/2026 – 15/2/2028 |
| Name of programme | European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) |
| More infomation: | Project website |
The project “Taxonomy and biology of Leucinodes species (grass moths) from Africa” aims to expand knowledge on the taxonomy and biology of African Leucinodes species that infest solanaceous crops. Its main objective is to reduce uncertainties in pest risk assessment for the European Union and support the development of effective and sustainable management strategies.
The project focuses on clarifying the taxonomy and geographic distribution of these species, investigating their ecology, life cycles, and host plants, and disseminating the results to the scientific community and relevant stakeholders.
It also includes the identification of previously misidentified specimens, the development of a morphological identification key, mapping host plants, and assessing plant species that may represent potential pathways for the introduction of these pests into the EU.
The project is coordinated by the Czech University of Life Sciences Prague and involves subcontracted partners from Ghana, Cameroon, and Uganda, who are responsible for field sampling and ecological studies in selected sub-Saharan countries.
