Title: Exotic Intruders

Author: Joan Druett

Publication details: Heinemann, 1983, Auckland

Digital publication kindly authorised by: Joan Druett

Part of: New Zealand Texts Collection

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Exotic Intruders

Biological control

page 175

Biological control

Biological control is the use of parasites and predators to control pests. There are several important features of its employment. A hundred percent control of the pest must not be expected, as no efficient predator or parasite would wipe out its entire food supply.

Intensive research into a biological control must be carried out prior to introduction, to make sure that the control will not become a pest itself, by attacking some plant or animal that is itself desirable.

The background of the control must be known intimately. Is it carrying some disease? Does it have any parasites of its own that should be kept out of the country? Can it adapt to the new conditions?

In the enthusiasm of the nineteenth century these basic precautions were very often forgotten.