The Approach to Biological Control in Forest Entomology

Abstract

The term “biological control” is sometimes used very broadly to cover all methods of encouraging the action of biotic factors. For the purposes of this discussion I will use it to refer solely to the introduction of parasites, predators, or microorganisms. I will also confine my remarks to the control of introduced pests. That is the purpose for which it has most promise and has been chiefly used. In my experience the most pressing forest insect problems of the Maritime Provinces–with the notable exception of the spruce budworm–have been with foreign species of European origin. It is logical to assess the value of biological control against exotic species before turning attention to its possibilities against indigenous pests (see Rawlings, 1958).