Application of biological control

Why do authorities have to regulate natural enemies, export and imports?

1. Prevent the movement of regulated pests into non-targeting territories

2. Prevent introduction of non-targeted biological agents that co-exist with imported shipments to the control territories

3. Restricts the movement of biological control agents claimed to beneficial into their territories

Who is responsible for the regulation of natural enemies export and import

1. Applicable international agreements

2. The national government authorities

List of authorities responsibilities

Inspection, Quarantine, Release, Documentation, Monitoring and evaluation, Contingency plans, Communication and Reporting

To facilitate the safe export, shipment, import, and release of biological control agents, responsible authorities of import should include

1. Carry out pest risk analysis of biological control agents prior to import or prior to release

2. Ensure, when certifying exports, that the sanitary import requirments of contracting parties are complied with.

3. Obtain, provide and assess documentation as appropriate, relevant to the export, shipment, import or release of biological control agents and other beneficial organisms.

4. Ensure that biological control agents and other beneficial organisms are taken either directly to designated quarantine facilities or, if appropriate, passed directly for release into the environment

5. Encourage monitoring of release of biological control agents or beneficial organisms in order to assess impact on target and non-target organisms.

Responsibilities of exporters include

1. Ensuring that sent biological control agents comply with sanitary import requirement of importing countries and relevant international agreements, packing the securely, and providing appropriate documentation relating to biological control agents

2. providing appropriate docmentation relating to the target pests and biological control agent by coordination with the responsible authority of the importng country.

How to facilitate the safe export, shipments, import and release of biological control agents

1. Development of national legislation where it does not exist. This needs cooperation between importing and exporting countries to achieve the maximum benefit with minimal adverse effects

2. Practices that ensure efficient and safe use while minimizing enviromental risks due to improper hadling or use are promoted

Categories of Risk Assessment

1. In relation to environmental risks

2. Hyperparasitim

Pest risk assessment in relation to environmental risks

1. National authorities take into account internationally approved principles governing the protection of the environment

2. impact resulting from releasing biological control agents

3. Preparing an emergency plan that will be implemented in the case of an escape from the quarantine facility

Hyperparasitism

biological control agents may act as a carrier or pathway for plant pests, hyperparasites, hyperparasitoid, and entomopathogens.