Biological control in continental Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands.

Abstract

Abstract Biological control has been used against agricultural pests and diseases on mainland Ecuador for over 80 years and its use as a pest management tool is increasing. Classical and augmentative biocontrol techniques are now commonly used for a wide range of crops, fruits and flowers that are grown using traditional or organic farming approaches. The Ecuadorian government, through the Ministry of Agriculture and the National Institute of Agricultural Research, strongly encourages the use of biocontrol, conducts research on potential biocontrol agents, and has helped to establish laboratories for the production of biocontrol agents in different provinces. There are also now at least four Ecuadorian companies that produce entomopathogens, insect predators and parasitoids as well as cooperation agreements set up with international suppliers. It is estimated that augmentative biocontrol was used on over 65,000 ha of farmland in 2017, and conservation biocontrol on 150,000 ha. The area under classical biocontrol was difficult to reliably estimate. The aim of Ecuador is to offer more high-quality commodities that are produced using methods with low negative ecological impact. On the Galapagos Islands, classical biocontrol has been used once to control the invasive cottony cushion scale, which was seriously affecting threatened endemic plant species. Following the success of this programme, it is now being considered as a management tool for invasive plant and insect species, as well for the most damaging agricultural pests.