A study conducted by CABI has found that a biological control agent called Acerophagus papayae is highly effective in reducing populations of the papaya mealybug, which poses a significant threat to papaya crops in Kenya and other parts of Africa. Female parasitoids of A. papayae play a crucial role in pest control through host feeding and oviposition, leading to a reduction in the mealybug populations. The study also highlights the benefits of using classical biological control methods instead of relying on chemical insecticides, which are harmful to the environment.