Current status and constraints in the assessment of non-target effects.

Abstract

In the last two decades increasing concerns have been expressed regarding potential non-target effects of invertebrate biological control agents of arthropods. This has led to an increasing number of studies investigating non-target effects in many systems. Several international initiatives aimed at providing guidance for risk assessment of biological control agents are briefly reviewed here. Furthermore, we aim to provide an overview of the current status of non-target testing of arthropod biological control agents, and identify the most recent developments. Most importantly, we aim to identify constraints and unsolved questions which need further research or consideration in the future. Major obstacles encountered include the need for harmonization of regulation and methods, and the increasing costs that are associated with implementing regulation. In addition, statistical analysis, the interpretation of host range tests, and inherent uncertainties associated with non-target testing are major problems currently faced in risk assessment. Finally, this chapter will refer to other chapters of this book that address the identified issues and propose the urgently needed and relevant methodology.