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Prospects for biological control in the tropics

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  19 September 2011

D. J. Greathead
Affiliation:
C.A.B. International Institute of Biological Control, Imperial College, Silwood Park, Ascot, Berks, SL5 7PY, U.K.
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Abstract

Classical biological control has been very effective against many introduced pests in the tropics and because it is permanent should be preferred as a control strategy for these pests. However, many pests are native or long established and of uncertain origin. Although classical biological control of these is more difficult, it has been achieved on a number of occasions but in many instances satisfactory control has not been achieved despite considerable effort. Reassessment of control options is needed for these pests based on more thorough quantitative ecological studies than are available at present. Only in this way will rational control strategies be developed, maximizing the contribution of native as well as exotic natural enemies. Even so, in many instances, control of a complex of pests on a single crop will require development of integrated pest management including, at least initially, chemical control of some pests. For effective implementation, more and better trained personnel will be required as will the active co-operation of farmers.

Résumé

La lutte biologique classique s'est montrée tres efficace contre beaucoup de ravageurs agricoles introduits dans la zone tropicale, et en raison de ses effets permanents devrait-elle constituer la stratégie de choix pour lutter contre ces ravageurs. Pourtant beaucoup de ravageurs sont ou indigènes ou établis depuis longtemps et d'origine incertaine. La lutte biologique classique contre ceux-ci, bien que plus difficile, s'est accomplie à plusieurs reprises, mais souvent avec des résultats insuffisants malgré des efforts considérables. Pour lutter contre de tels ravageurs, une nouvelle évaluation des méthodes disponibles serait nécessaire, basée sur des études écologiques quantitatives plus profondes qu'on n'ait pu faire jusqu'ici. De cette façon seulement peut-on développer une stratégie rationnelle de lutte qui exploite au maximum les ennemis naturels indigènes ainsi que exotiques. Dans bien des cas cependant, la lutte contre un complexe de ravageurs sur une seule culture réclamera le développement d'un schéma de lutte intégrée, y compris, du moins au début, la lutte chimique contre certaines espèces. La mise en oeuvre d'un tel programme demandera à son tour un personnel plus nombreux et mieux instruit, ainsi que la coopération active des fermiers de la région visée.

Type
Symposium IX: Biological and Cultural Techniques in Tropical Crop Pest and Vector Management
Copyright
Copyright © ICIPE 1987

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