Environmental impacts of classical biological control

Author:

Howarth, Francis G.

Title:

Environmental impacts of classical biological control

Periodical:

Annual Review of Entomology

Year:

1991

Volume:

36

Pages:

485-509

Subject:

Biological pest control Alien species control Ecology

Summary:

Biological control, or purposeful introductions of living organisms to control pest populations, have been successful in controlling numerous weeds and pests and have benefitted agriculture, public health, and natural ecosystems. However, since alien organisms often disrupt established populations, it has also caused environmental damage and has lead to the extinctions of many bird species in Hawaii. Since the introduction of alien species can be complex and difficult to predict, one must consider that any action to limit or kill a species will affect other species and will pose some environmental risk. As a result, methods used to control a pest population should be based on a firm knowledge of ecology and systematics since environmental concerns are becoming of foremost importance in the development of a sustainable economy. While insects and other arthropods are the main concerns of this review, microorganisms, molluscs, and vertebrates are included since these groups have also been introduced by entomologists who are in support of biological control. In addition, impacts on both the human and natural environments are also discussed in this document.

Label:

Ecology

Date:

1991

Collection:

Periodicals