Inundative pest control: How risky is it? A case study using entomopathogenic nematodes in a forest ecosystem

Harvey, Christopher D., Williams, Christopher D., Dillon, Aoife B. and Griffin, Christine T. (2016) Inundative pest control: How risky is it? A case study using entomopathogenic nematodes in a forest ecosystem. Forest Ecology and Management, 380. pp. 242-251. ISSN 0378-1127.

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Abstract

Entomopathogenic nematodes (EPN) are globally important inundative biological control agents. Their widespread use makes environmental risk assessment important, but very few comprehensive post-application risk assessments have been conducted for EPN. We apply a rigorous risk analysis procedure to the use of EPN applied in a forest ecosystem to suppress the large pine weevil (Hylobius abietis). In this synthesis, we provide a quantitative evaluation of five risk categories: (a) establishment, (b) dispersal, (c) host range, (d) direct non-target effects and (e) indirect non-target effects. A low level of risk was identified (35–51 out of a possible total of 125). Species exotic to the clear-fell forest ecosystem (Steinernema carpocapsae and Heterorhabditis downesi) were accorded a lower overall risk status than native species and strains (Steinernema feltiae), largely as a result of their shorter persistence in the target environment. We conclude that EPN are a low risk viable alternative control for pine weevil compared to the higher risk conventional control using pyrethroid or neonicotinoid insecticides.

Item Type:	Article
Subjects:	Q Science > QL Zoology > QL0360 Invertebrates > QL0461 Insects S Agriculture > SD Forestry
Divisions:	Faculty of Social and Applied Sciences > School of Human and Life Sciences
Depositing User:	Dr Chris Harvey
Date Deposited:	11 Oct 2016 13:35
Last Modified:	22 Oct 2016 08:32
URI:	https://create.canterbury.ac.uk/id/eprint/14930

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