Biological Control 101 J. P. CUDA ENTOMOLOGY & NEMATOLOGY DEPARTMENT GAINESVILLE, FL 32611-0620

Instructor: Dr. Jim Cuda phone (392-1901 ext 126) email (jcuda@gnv Instructor: Dr. Jim Cuda phone (392-1901 ext 126) email (jcuda@gnv.ifas.ufl.edu) Research Area: Biological Control of Invasive Weeds & Insect Pests

TOPICS Natural vs biological control Conceptual basis for biological control Biological control definition Types of natural enemies Practice of biological control                                  

What is Natural Control ? Action of biotic factors in regulating pest populations Biotic- natural enemies; density dependent Abiotic- environmental; density independent No human involvement Operates unnoticed until lost Naturally Occurring Biological Control or Natural Regulation                                  

What is Biological Control? Using living natural enemies to control pests Involves manipulation of natural enemies by people Recognized as foundation of IPM                                  

Take Home Message Natural control & biological control are different Natural control - no human involvement Biological control - an action taken by people                                  

Biological Control is NOT : Natural control or regulation Passive process Reduction in pesticide use Enhances natural control Using Bt or similar products Non-living; not self-sustaining Biorational control                                  

TOPICS Natural vs biological control Conceptual basis for biological control Biological control definition Types of natural enemies Practice of biological control                                  

Conceptual / Ecological Basis for Biological Control Pests establish equilibrium density (ED) Biological control lowers ED & maintains it below economic injury level (EIL) Natural Enemy ED EIL NUMBER ED TIME

Annual Changes in Insect Populations Natural                                   Chemical Biological Data from J. H. Frank

TOPICS Natural vs biological control Conceptual basis for biological control Biological control definition Types of natural enemies Practice of biological control                                  

Practical Definition of Biological Control What- Prevention or reduction of pest populations By Whom – Live natural enemies How – Classical & Non-classical approaches                                  

The “ What ” of Biological Control Prevention – cause early pest mortality Reduction – lower pest density to pre-economic levels                                  

Objectives of Biological Control PREVENTION Requires early monitoring Useful against predictable pests Information intensive Pest EIL Natural Enemy NUMBER TIME

Objectives of Biological Control REDUCTION Natural enemies added after pest exceeds EIL Reduce pest to pre-economic level ( and maintain it) Usually last resort Pest Natural Enemy EIL NUMBER TIME

Practical Definition of Biological Control What- Prevention or reduction of pest populations By Whom – Live natural enemies How – Classical & Non-classical approaches                                  

Natural Enemies-the “ Whom ” Predator- consumes more than one prey item during its development Lady beetle Parasitoid- lives in / on body of one host eventually killing it Parasitic fly or wasp Entomopathogen- disease causing organism Nematode, bacterium, fungus, protozoan, virus)                                  

Kinds of Natural Enemies                                   DPI DPI

Practical Definition of Biological Control What- Prevention or reduction of pest populations By Whom – Live natural enemies How – Classical & Non-classical approaches                                  

Biological Control Tactics – the “ How ” Classical Approach Importation Non-classical Approaches Conservation Augmentation Inundative Inoculative                                  

Biological Control Tactics – the “ How ” Importation (Classical) Introduction of specialist natural enemies from homeland of non-native pests Reunites natural enemies with host Requires risk assessment Performed by trained scientists                                  

Biological Control Tactics– the “ How ” Conservation ( Non-classical ) Maintain & enhance natural enemies Alter management practices Strip-cropping, preserving non-crop habitats Supplemental food for natural enemies Nectar sources, additional hosts Alter use & timing of pesticides                                  

Biological Control Tactics– the “ How ” Augmentation ( Non-classical ) Adding to the numbers & kinds of natural enemies to increase pest mortality Two types: Inundative- Mass rear & release natural enemy to overwhelm pest Inoculative- Release small numbers early in pest cycle                                  

TOPICS Natural vs biological control Conceptual basis for biological control Biological control definitions Types of natural enemies Practice of biological control                                  

Biological Control COMPLETE- No other control methods needed Defining Success in Biological Control COMPLETE- No other control methods needed SUBSTANTIAL- Other methods needed at reduced levels NEGLIGIBLE- Other methods necessary to control pests                                  

Biological Control Advantages of Minimal side effects on non-targets Safe for people to handle & use Costs- inexpensive ( Classical ) Pests unlikely to develop resistance to natural enemies                                  

Biological Control Disadvantages of Not an off-the-shelf technology Results are not immediate Costs- can be very expensive ( Augmentation ) Unpredictable- natural enemies may not establish or are not effective                                  

Biological Control ? Why Consider Foundation of IPM Role in sustainable agriculture Environmentally sound Economically feasible Proven but not fully exploited Federal and state mandates                                  

Message IFAS is putting FLORIDA FIRST in biological control of insect pests and weeds http: // floridafirst.ufl.edu