Opportunities and needs for biological control in New York

NYS IPM Type: Project ReportChallenges, opportunities, and current and future needs to improve the use of biocontrol pest management strategies in New York were assessed through meetings with colleagues and stakeholders. Major challenges include: (1) lack of stakeholder understanding of what biocontrol is; (2) hesitancy to adopt biocontrol because stakeholders are unsure of the efficacy or cost effectiveness of biocontrol strategies; and (3) stakeholder uncertainty over how to implement biocontrol in their crop production or other pest management settings. Important opportunities include: (1) changing pest management settings which may make biocontrol strategies more desirable than they once were; and (2) pests for which insufficient control has been achieved through other management strategies. Current needs in the area of biocontrol outreach, extension, and research include both increased awareness of what biocontrol strategies are and how they work, and also increased knowledge of the efficacy of biocontrol products and how to use them successfully. A list of pests and pest control settings for which biocontrol solutions are especially needed or seem promising is included. Future opportunities to collaborate on biocontrol research or extend information on biocontrol solutions for these pests should be prioritized