BiCEP partner scientists were involved in the preparation and publishing of the new FAO publication “Guide to the classical biological control of insect pests in planted and natural forests”. The guide was launched on 4 April 2019 at Silva Mediterranean Week in Lebanon.
A great deal of knowledge on classical biological control has been accumulated worldwide in the last few decades. This publication, which was written by a team of experts, distils that information in a clear, concise guide aimed at helping forest-health practitioners and forest managers – especially in developing countries – to implement successful classical biological control programmes. It provides general theory and practical guidelines, explains the “why” and “how” of classical biological control in forestry, and addresses the potential risks associated with such programmes. It features 11 case studies of successful efforts worldwide to implement classical biological control, including two of BiCEP’s priority pests Leptocybe invasa and Thaumastocoris peregrinus.