Biological control and integrated pest management

Abstract

The manipulation of beneficial organisms remains a very important tool in integrated pest management programs of insect pests worldwide. This chapter describes the approaches to using biological control and a historical perspective of each. Recent developments in genetics, systematics, population dynamics, pesticide chemistry, and public opinion have led to increased scrutiny and inclusion of beneficial insects into IPM programs. This chapter describes these developments and the variety of approaches that have been used to implement biological control as a useful tactic in IPM. It also describes how biological control interacts with other IPM tactics, and the potential for better integration into IPM programs.