BIOCONTROL OF EXOTIC PEST INSECTS

Both parties have an interest in the development of biological control as a component for integrated pest management programs needed for exotic pest insects that pose a threat to U.S. agriculture. Many of the exotic insects that have been introduced into the U.S. through south Florida are pests of ornamentals; and movement of ornamentals may provide pathways for dispersal of these pests into other areas of the continental U.S. However, basic and applied research on biocontrol organisms is not part of the CRIS. Information obtained by the research of the collaborator, however, will be instrumental in advancing research on the chemical ecology of the biocontrol agents and integration of biological control agents with other pest management components being developed by ARS for mitigation of exotic insect pests.