The Lancang-Mekong River Basin represents a vital agricultural corridor where ecological systems and major crops are deeply interconnected. Recognizing these shared vulnerabilities, agricultural scientists and technical experts from China and Vietnam recently convened in Hanoi, Vietnam, for a specialized workshop focused on Green Control Technology for Corn Pests and Diseases. Held from September 21 to 24, 2026, the event was organized by the Institute of Plant Protection (IPP) of the Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences (CAAS), and co-organized by the Vietnam National University of Agriculture (VNUA) and the Guangxi Academy of Agricultural Sciences.

The workshop brought together approximately 50 experts and technical personnel from various universities and research institutions across both nations. The primary objective was to address the common challenges posed by transboundary crop diseases and insect pests, which threaten regional food security and ecological stability.

Addressing Transboundary Agricultural Threats

Countries situated within the Lancang-Mekong River Basin share contiguous borders, similar ecological environments, and identical primary crops, such as corn and rice. This geographical and ecological continuity means that plant pathogens and insect pests can easily cross national borders, making isolated national containment strategies insufficient.

During the workshop, representatives from China and Vietnam reached a clear consensus on the necessity of accelerating the demonstration and application of advanced green pest and disease management technologies. By deploying these solutions across the Lancang-Mekong River Basin, both nations aim to strengthen regional food security capacities and establish practical, localized protocols for managing major corn diseases and insect pests in Vietnam.

Technical Demonstrations and Field Applications

A core component of the workshop was the practical demonstration of green control technologies. Participants visited dedicated demonstration fields showcasing green control technologies for major diseases and insect pests affecting both corn and rice. These visits allowed experts to observe field applications firsthand and engage in direct technical exchanges.

Chinese experts conducted on-site demonstrations of several monitoring and control technologies:

  • Detection and monitoring: The delegation demonstrated rapid virus detection methods and insect pheromone-based monitoring systems designed to provide early warnings of pest infestations.
  • Biological control: Experts showcased the application of Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) granules formulations, which target specific pests without harming beneficial organisms.
  • Mating disruption: The use of pheromone-mediated mating disruption technologies was demonstrated as a non-toxic method to control pest populations.
  • Crop health management: The workshop introduced emerging technologies focused on inducing plant immune responses to enhance natural disease resistance.
  • Integrated solutions: Presenters detailed comprehensive green crop protection solutions that combine specialized fertilizers, targeted biopesticides, and high-efficiency pesticide application equipment.

Enterprise Collaboration and Technology Transfer

The workshop also served as a platform for private-sector engagement, highlighting the transition of laboratory research into commercialized agricultural products. Several supporting enterprises participated in the technical exchanges, showcasing their research achievements and product lines:

  • Guangxi Tianyuan Biochemistry Co., Ltd.
  • Pherobio Technology Co., Ltd.
  • Beijing Green Agricultural Science and Technology Group Co., Ltd.

To facilitate immediate adoption and testing of these technologies in Vietnam, the Chinese delegation donated a selection of green pest management products. The donated materials included insect pheromone-based products, Bt-based biopesticides, and high-efficiency pesticide application equipment. Vietnamese trainees engaged actively in discussions, demonstrating strong interest in integrating these tools into local farming systems.

Strategic and Regional Implications

The successful execution of this workshop marks a concrete step by the IPP of CAAS in implementing its project supported by the Asia Cooperation Fund. By fostering closer scientific and technological ties between China and Vietnam, the initiative enhances the regional capacity for coordinated prevention, monitoring, and control of transboundary agricultural threats.

This collaborative model is of significant importance for safeguarding food security, biosafety, and ecological security across the Lancang-Mekong River Basin. Furthermore, it establishes a practical framework for agricultural science and technology cooperation under the broader Belt and Road Initiative. Moving forward, both nations plan to continue promoting the international application of these advanced plant protection technologies, ensuring that more countries in the region can benefit from practical agricultural innovations.