What is the relative importance of generalist and specialist natural enemies in biological control?
Because specialists feed on only one or a few prey species, they are thought to be the most effective biological control agents. All of the projects I have already outlined should help us to discover whether generalist predators also play an important role in biocontrol. Washington is very diverse ecologically, with equally diverse agriculture. More than 100 crops are grown here, providing opportunities for students to find a system that matches almost any question of interest.