Biological Pest Control

Classical biological control is a pest control strategy that involves the importation of new natural enemies to control introduced pests.  Classical biological control has been successfully implemented in the U.S. over the last 100 years.  The use of this strategy of pest management is experiencing renewed attention because it is extremely cost effective and environmentally sound.  Both the agricultural and urban populations in the U.S. have much to gain from the continued use of such efforts.  Once an effective natural enemy is established, control is self-sustaining, requiring no additional revenues.  Because the biocontrol agent is specific to the pest organism, its introduction has no adverse effect on the environment.

Currently, there is no coordinated effort between the federal government and the state departments of agriculture to support and promote classical biological control at regional and national levels.  NASDA believes that a coordinated approach is essential so as to encourage continued importation of new natural enemies into the United States.  NASDA urges Congress to appropriate funds to adequately support the research and development of biological control agents and establish this effort as a priority within USDA-APHIS to combat established invasive species.

Land grant institutions and the USDA have played a critical role in current and past biological control projects.  However, funding has been shifting to basic research in the field of biotechnology.  Although the products of this new technology hold much promise, classic biological control is a proven pest management strategy benefiting a broad range of concerns that must be financially supported by government agencies as well as the agricultural community.  Private enterprise cannot promote the development of classic biological control because the profit motive for controlling individual organisms vanishes when a pest problem is permanently solved.

Regional plant protection centers are critical research facilities which provide biological control agents for the surrounding states in the region.  Strong regional support is important as heavy biological control needs demand the facilitation of interstate and international shipping of commodities while reducing the trend of strict pesticide use.  NASDA supports classic biological control in dealing with established invasive species and other agricultural plant pests.