Non-native pests can be very destructive when introduced to new areas because those new areas lack the predatory insects and diseases that limit the pest populations in their native environments. Biological control, the use of natural enemies to control non-native pests, can be a cost-effective and powerful pest management tool.
Classical biological control reunites natural enemies, such as insects and pathogens, with the target pest to minimize pest damage. The goal of biological control is to reduce the target pest population and its corresponding impact to an acceptable level. Before any insect or pathogen is considered a viable candidate for biological control, scientists study it carefully to make sure it will not harm people or the environment.
Advantages of biological control
- Cost-effective: Bioagents can control vast expanses of target pests. Through state and county programs in Minnesota, bioagents are a shared resource available at no cost to land managers. They are collected at sites with high bioagent populations and distributed to new sites.
- Long-term, sustainable management: Established bioagent populations are self-sustaining and provide ongoing pest management.
- Selective: The bioagents are very specific to the target pest and beneficial to the environment by reducing the pest population so that the desirable flora and fauna can flourish.
When to use biological control?
- Large pest population/infestation
- Environmentally sensitive area
- Other potential control methods are ineffective or too costly
- Integrated with other control methods
Safety
- All bioagents approved for release will not harm humans and can be handled easily.
- A process of testing and assessment minimizes the risk that a newly imported bioagent will have a negative impact on other species. More on safety for biological control
Gypsy moth caterpillars killed by the fungal pathogen Entomophaga maimaiga.
Emerald ash borer and its biological control agents.
Leafy spurge beetles overwhelming spurge plants.
Large common tansy infestation.
State of Minnesota biological control programs
Biological control programs in Minnesota are cooperative. Multiple agencies, associations, institutions, and private landowners work together to accomplish goals. Lead agencies help to coordinate efforts, disseminate information, provide expertise, and collect data.
Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) biological control program
Insect biological control
Weed biological control
The spotted knapweed infestation (left) was greatly reduced by biological control (right)
For information on MDA's program, contact Monika Chandler, 651-201-6537 or Monika.Chandler@state.mn.us
Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) biological control program
Weed biological control
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Purple loosestrife, Lythrum salicaria, L. virgatum, hybrids and cultivars
- Garlic mustard, Alliaria petiolata (biocontrol is in development)
- Common buckthorn, Rhamnus cathartica (biocontrol is in development)
For information on DNR's program, contract Laura Van Riper, 651-259-5090 or Laura.Vanriper@state.mn.us
Note: DNR has general webpages for garlic mustard and buckthorn, but not for biocontrol of these species.
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