What is classical biological control?
Classical biological control is the science and practice of re-uniting invasive species with their specialized natural enemies (i.e., biocontrol agents parasitic wasps, predators, or pathogens) introduced from their origins. Successfully established natural enemies can eventually keep the pest populations in check, greatly reduce the damage by the pest, and minimize other control costs as well. The process of classical biological control consists of foreign exploration of candidate biocontrol agents in the origin of pest, introduction of agents, studies of their biology and host specificity, and release and evaluation of their establishment if suitable agents can be found.
Biological control is a management strategy for controlling pests (including diseases and weeds) that uses natural enemies of those pests. In the case of an invading or introduced exotic pest, the ‘classical’ biological control approach is to return to the area of origin of the pest and search for enemies, such as parasitic wasps or specific predatory beetles, which can then be imported and will control the pest without any further intervention. This is the preferred method of control where applicable.
