Benefits and Risks of Native and Exotic Biological Control Agents Used in Latin America and the Caribbean: Performance of 1099 Arthropod Natural Enemies

Abstract The risks of negative non-target effects caused by the use of biological control agents to control pests have been a hotly debated issue since the 1980s. However, these discussions are often limited to a few specific case studies. Large-scale region-wide evaluations of risks and benefits of releases of natural enemies are rare. We tracked the names of 1099 biocontrol agents used in arthropod biocontrol in Latin America and the Caribbean, and ranked them according to origin (native or exotic), to their role in pest reduction (significant or not) and negative non-target effects. About 40% of the agents used in this region were of exotic origin. Depending on the type of programme—natural, conservation, classical or augmentative biocontrol—the percentages of natural enemies attaining significant pest reduction were 40 up to 100. Hence, many natural enemies provided benefits in the form of healthy, sustainable and environmentally friendly pest management. The documented risk associated with the use of exotic natural enemies appears to be low, although minor or poorly monitored non-target effects may have gone undetected. In order to limit occurrence of negative non-target effects in the future, first an inventory should be made of native natural enemies including an assessment of whether one or more of these species are able to sufficiently reduce pest populations. Only if effective native biocontrol agents are not found, the use of an exotic natural enemy should be considered after performing an environmental impact assessment indicating a low risk for negative side effects.