Entomologische Berichten (2000) 60, 118-130
Antoon Loomans (2000)
Introductie van uitheemse soorten als bestrijders van plagen: ecologische risico-analyse
[Introduction of exotic biological control agents: Evaluating environmental risks]
Entomologische Berichten 60 (6), 118-130
Abstract: A survey is presented of imports of insects, economically harmful and beneficial, into The Netherlands since 1900. Except by own force (fly-ins, immigrants), arthropods usually have been introduced by man, either by accident or intentionally. So far problems have come up from herbivorous insects and mites invading forests, orchards and greenhouses. Biological control, by means of the deliberate introduction of exotic natural enemies, has resulted in a successful and durable control of several pests. Beneficial insects and mites that have been introduced for scientific and commercial use in Europe have caused no noticeable environmental risks so far, but these have not been evaluated properly yet. The potential direct or indirect ecological effects of the introduction of exotic biological control agents and the lines of research and regulations to avoid possible negative effects in the future, are discussed.
(The abstract is excluded from the Creative Commons licence and has been copied with permission by the publisher.)
(original language: Dutch)
Database assignments for author(s): Antoon J.M. Loomans
Research topic(s) for pests/diseases/weeds:
biocontrol - natural enemies
new introduction of pest
Research topic(s) for beneficials or antagonists:
classical biocontrol/new introduction
