Economic value of biological control in integrated pest management of managed plant systems

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

228 Scopus citations

Abstract

Biological control is an underlying pillar of integrated pest management, yet little focus has been placed on assigning economic value to this key ecosystem service. Setting biological control on a firm economic foundation would help to broaden its utility and adoption for sustainable crop protection. Here we discuss approaches and methods available for valuation of biological control of arthropod pests by arthropod natural enemies and summarize economic evaluations in classical, augmentative, and conservation biological control. Emphasis is placed on valuation of conservation biological control, which has received little attention. We identify some of the challenges of and opportunities for applying economics to biological control to advance integrated pest management. Interaction among diverse scientists and stakeholders will be required to measure the direct and indirect costs and benefits of biological control that will allow farmers and others to internalize the benefits that incentivize and accelerate adoption for private and public good.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)621-645
Number of pages25
JournalAnnual review of entomology
Volume60
DOIs
StatePublished - Jan 7 2015

Keywords

  • Arthropod natural enemies
  • Augmentative biological control
  • Classical biological control
  • Conservation biological control
  • Ecosystem services
  • Valuation

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Ecology, Evolution, Behavior and Systematics
  • Insect Science

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