Author
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Nordlund, Donald |
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Submitted to: Biocontrol News and Information
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal Publication Acceptance Date: 3/20/1996 Publication Date: N/A Citation: N/A Interpretive Summary: Biological control is one technique that is available for use in integrated pest management. Unfortunately, over the years two fundamentally different conceptual models for what constitutes biological control have developed. These different models have lead to confusion, have frustrated communication, and could lead to regulatory problems. This paper reviews the history of the development of the concepts associated with biological control in the entomology and plant pathology communities. With the differences in these clarified, the author proposes a system of terminology for biological control and integrated pest management. This paper should help focus the debate and lead to the development of shared conceptual models for this important approach to pest management. Technical Abstract: Biological control is coming of age. Agriculturists and policy makers around the world are seeking alternatives to conventional pesticides and biological control is high on the list. A commercial biological control industry has developed and it is growing. Policy makers are groping both regulatory issues related to the use of various pest control/management technologies. These regulatory efforts could have a major impact on the development and use of biological control. Unfortunately, the term "biological control" means different things to different people. The lack of common definition and conceptual model for biological control is hindering the discussion and implementation of biological control techniques. The existence of conflicting definitions for biological control also has the potential for causing a regulatory nightmare. This paper traces the development of definitions for biological control, discusses how biological control fits with other pest management approache in integrated pest management (IPM), and presents conceptual models for biological control and IPM. The goal of this paper is to assist in the development of shared conceptual models that can facilitate communication; the implementation of effective and environmentally compatible pest management strategies, including biological control, in IPM programs; and the establishment of appropriate regulatory policy. |
