Bioprotection - getting the most out of biological control in pasture pest management

Abstract

Pasture damage from insect pests is an increasing concern with rising forage value and biosecurity breaches. At the same time options for traditional chemical control of pests are becoming limited. Biological control of insect pests is important in limiting pest damage, with toxin-producing endophytes, parasitoids and insect diseases the key components limiting insect pest populations and damage in pastures. We are proposing a bioprotection strategy for pasture pest management that maximises the benefit of biocontrol and changes the emphasis from curative to preventative action in the protection of pastures from damaging pests. Keywords: bioprotection, biological control, insect pests, pest management