By filtering data from the BIOCAT catalogue, the scientists found that 780 introductions of insects for biological control were undertaken in the Greater Western Palearctic ecozone between 1890 and 2010. Within these countries, the percentage of complete target control was very variable. However, the success rates of agent establishment and target control were higher in CBC projects targeting pests of woody plants than pests of other types of plants. In carrying out the research, Dr Seehausen and the team added 15 new explanatory variables including consideration of the biological control agent feeding strategy, host range and life-stage killed by the biological control agent. K, 'Classical biological control against insect pests in Europe, North Africa, and the Middle East: What influences its success?'

Source: The North Africa Journal June 10, 2021 13:52 UTC