Towards biological control as a major component of integrated pest management in stored product protection

Abstract

Integrated pest management in stored product protection is defined. Areas of research and implementation of biological control in stored product protection and advantages and limits of such an approach are analysed. Limiting factors for effective application of natural enemies are discussed and implications for human health, hygiene and authorisation are considered. Economics of biological control are discussed within the context of integrated management for stored product protection. Examples are chosen mainly from areas only recently gaining some attention such as retail trade and stored product insects as material-destroying pests. If wider economic aspects, including ecological arguments, are considered, and biological control methods are fully explored, the position of biological control within integrated pest management in stored product protection will strengthen.