3.2.2. Biological control of soft scale insects in interior plantscapes in the USA

Abstract

This chapter discusses the biological control of soft scale insects in interior plantscapes in the United States. This chapter discusses that little effort has been expended on biological control research in a third type of protected cultivation: the interior plantscape has been defined to include the conservatory plant collections of the world's botanical gardens, zoological parks, model ecosystems, and other educational displays, as well as the usually smaller and less elaborate enclosed and protected plantings that beautify office buildings, shopping malls, cultural centres, and recreational facilities around the world. Biological control research directed against pests peculiar to interior plantscapes promises to enhance their control and to, substantially, reduce the use of pesticides in these ubiquitous and heavily trafficked public spaces. Moreover, failure to conduct this research overlooks a unique opportunity to both educate the public and to advance the understanding of the underlying principles of biological control.