Lawrence Nkosikhona Malinga

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I hold a PhD in Entomology from the University of KwaZulu-Natal, where my research focused on evaluating biopesticides for the management of cotton pests and assessing their economic benefits. Before that, I completed an MSc, a BSc (Hons) in Entomology, and a BSc in Zoology and Entomology at the University of Fort Hare, with research spanning organic and synthetic insecticides, plant-based pest control, and intercropping systems.

Professionally, I have over two decades of experience as an entomologist. I began my career in 2005 as a Research Entomologist at the Agricultural Research Council, where I worked until 2020. I then joined the South African Sugarcane Research Institute (SASRI), progressing from Research Entomologist to Senior Research Entomologist, and I currently serve as the Programme Manager for Crop Protection. My work has focused strongly on sugarcane and cotton pest management, and I have played a key leadership role in the development and implementation of the Sterile Insect Technique (SIT) for the control of Eldana saccharina in South Africa.

I have completed a wide range of specialised training in insect rearing, project management, scientific writing, biological control, agricultural research for development, facilitation, and financial management, through institutions such as North Carolina State University, Stellenbosch University, the University of Pretoria, and the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences.

My academic and professional contributions include numerous peer-reviewed journal articles, popular science publications, and international conference presentations. I also serve on several editorial boards and advisory committees, participate in international research collaborations such as the IAEA Coordinated Research Project, and am registered as a Professional Natural Scientist.

Experience

  • –present
    Programme Manager (Crop Protection) & Senior Entomologist, South African Sugarcane Research Institute
  • 2020–2024
    Research Entomologist , South African Sugarcane Research Institute
  • 2005–2020
    Research Entomologist, Agricultural Research Council

Education

  • 2022 
    University of KwaZulu-Natal, PhD (Entomology)
  • 2013 
    University of Fort Hare, Master of Science in Entomology
  • 2001 
    University of Fort Hare, Bachelor of Science (Hons) in Entomology
  • 2000 
    University of Fort Hare, Bachelor of Science in Zoology and Entomology

Grants and Contracts

  • 2022
    Improve the mass-rearing of Lepidoptera pests for SIT programmes
    Role:
    Chief Scientific Investigator
    Funding Source:
    International Atomic Energy Agency
  • 2022
    Assessment of X-ray irradiation as an alternative to gamma irradiation for the South African SIT programs
    Role:
    Principal Investigator
    Funding Source:
     Sandia National Laboratories
  • 2018
    SEACF Meetings
    Role:
    SEACF Secretariat
    Funding Source:
    International Cotton Advisory Committee
  • 2017
    Herbicide Registration Trials
    Role:
    Research Scientist
    Funding Source:
    Bayer SA and BASF
  • 2014
    Sustainable Rural Livelihood for Cotton Farmers
    Role:
    Project Manager
    Funding Source:
    Department of Rural Development and Land Reform, South Africa

Professional Memberships

  • Advisory Board Member for Biological Sciences, University of the Free State
  • SACNASP Professional Natural Scientist
  • South African Sugar Technologists Association Council Member
  • International Society of Sugar Cane Technologists Entomology Committee Member
  • Entomological Society of Southern Africa

Contact Lawrence for

  • General
  • Media request
  • Speaking request
  • Consulting / Advising
  • Research collaboration
  • Research supervision