ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS OF ARTHROPODS AS BIOLOGICAL CONTROL AGENTS

Abstract

Biological control is an important component in the integrated management of pests. It is used to reduce or mitigate pests and it has been the focus of discussions for a long time. Hundreds of species of natural enemies were introduced, resulting in the successful control of various pests. However, the ecological processes involved for its success are generally very complex. In this way, this review focused on all the process of introducing species of arthropods as biological control agents and how they can affect the environment. The evaluation of environmental risk is the most critical and difficult partof the procedures and should contain some elements such as the identification of potential risks to which the environment will be exposed. The problems caused by the invasion of exotic species have increased and the high frequency of invasion is associated in large part with human activities, such as accidental transport and introduction. All these questions should be analysed based on rigorous studies and risk analysis, in which ecological interactions, competition, intraguild predation, and the effects of introduction on non-target organisms as well are considered.