£7.50

New pests threaten global biodiversity and food security resulting in substantial economic costs reported to be in excess of £75 billion annually. Neil will talk about the process of introducing an exotic species for classical biological control of non-native invasive tree pests in England. Neil will use the recent release of a parasitoid wasp for the management of Oriental Chestnut Gall Wasp, and preparing for the management of Emerald Ash Borer in the event of its arrival in the UK, as examples.

Initially we try to eradicate new arrivals that could cause substantial damage to our environment and industries, but if this is unsuccessful and the pest establishes we then need to suppress its population and movement around the UK.

Classical biological control, the introduction of a natural enemy associated with the pest from elsewhere in the world, is recognised as a key strategy to manage invasive insect pest populations. However, introduction of an exotic biological enemy is subject to regulatory measures, including a rigorous risk assessment and review process which may take years for approval.