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Background
Biological control is a safe and sound approach to keep pests (insects,
mites, and weeds) under control. It is an effective tool in programmes of integrated
pest management. It uses their natural enemies, and reduces the risk of pesticides
abuse and environmental chemical pollution.
The Secretariat of the Pacific Community Biological Control Laboratory (SPC-BCL)
facilitates and coordinates biological control programmes for managing pest
problems of the Pacific Island Countries and Territories (PICTs). The
advantage of using biological control is that it is a safe and effective method
that is environmentally friendly. It diminishes the reliance on chemical
pesticides, and is a target orientated, sustainable and inexpensive pest management
strategy.
Activities involved in implementing biological control
programme include:
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identification and assessment of pests and weeds
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selection and testing of appropriate biological control
agents
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importation and multiplication of selected agent(s)
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dispatch and liberation of biological control agent(s)
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monitoring and evaluation of their performance, and
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provision of training and technical advice.
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Protocols
SPC-BCL complies with protocols for biological control stipulated in
Guidelines for Biological Control Projects in the Pacific (SPC document 57) and
FAO Code of Conduct for the Import and Release of Exotic Biological Control.
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Capacity
SPC-BCL, based in Suva, Fiji, has a capacity to produce biological
control agents for the needs of the Pacific Island Countries and Territories (PICTs). It also coordinates the introduction and
dissemination of biological control agents from internationally recognized
institutions following the biological control protocols.
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Pacific regional successes on
biological control:
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Lantana weed Lantana camara
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Giant sensitive plant Mimosa invisa
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Spiraling whitefly Aleurodicus dispersus
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Coconut scale insects Aspidiotus destructor
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Diamond back moth Plutella xylostella
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Projects SPC-BCL has undertaken:
| Biological Control Agents |
Target Pest |
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Nephaspis dispar Sicard
Coleoptera:Coccinellidae
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Aleurodicus dispersus Russell
Hemiptera:Aleyrodidae |
Encarsia haitiensis Dozier
Hymenoptera:Aphelinidae
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Aleurodicus dispersus Russell
Hemiptera:Aleyrodidae |
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Chilocorus nigritus (Fabricius)
Coleoptera:Coccinellidae
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Aspidiotus destructor Signoret
Hemiptera:Diaspididae |
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Telsimia nitida Chapin
Coleoptera:Coccinellidae
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Aspidiotus destructor Signoret
Hemiptera:Diaspididae
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Cryptognatha nodiceps Marshall
Coleoptera:Coccinellidae
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Aspidiotus destructor Signoret
Hemiptera:Diaspididae |
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Diadromus collaris (Gravenhorst)
Hymenoptera: Ichneumonidae
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Plutella xylostella (Linnaeus)
Lepidioptera: Yponomeutidae |
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Heteropsylla spinolusa
Hemiptera: Psyllidae
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Mimosa invisa Martius
Mimosaceae
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Diadegma semiclausum
Hymenoptera: Ichneumonidae
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Plutella xylostella (Linnaeus)
Lepidioptera: Yponomeutidae |
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How Plant Protection Service assists with pest
problems of PICTs:
The Plant Protection Service:
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encourages biological control as a first option to be considered for managing
regional pests and as a basis for Integrated Pest Management (IPM).
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provides technical advice and funding.
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assesses the levels of pest damage on important crops and plants.
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coordinates introduction of selected biological control agents against pest
occurrences.
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evaluates biological control agents for their specificity and impact.
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advises that only safe and effective biological control agents are introduced
for targeted pests.
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Whom to contact:
Sada Nand Lal
Plant Protection Service
Secretariat of the Pacific Community
Private Mail Bag
SUVA
Fiji
Phone (679) 370733 Extension 224
Fax (679) 370021
Email SadaNL@spc.int
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