Comments on a redefinition of biological control.

BIOLOGICAL control of insects; PLANT diseases; NATIONAL Academy of Sciences (U.S.); BIOLOGICAL pest control agents; BIOPESTICIDES; BENEFICIAL insects; BIOTECHNOLOGY

Criticizes the redefinition of the term biological control which was proposed by the National Academy of Sciences (NAS) research briefing panel as "the use of natural or modified organisms, genes, or gene products to reduce the effects of undesireable organisms, and to favor desireable organisms such as crops, trees, animals, and beneficial insects and microorganisms." Opinion that the NAS definition disregards the historical roots and ecological basis of biological control; Idea that biological techniques are applied in research on biopesticides and the modification of biological organisms, and that some forms of pest control are self-sustaining, while others require periodic human input; Perception that the use of genetic improvement and biotechnology to improve natural enemies is a promising and valid type of augmentative biological control.