In this paper, we describe a probabilistic risk assessment procedure for quantifying potential non-target risks that biological control agents may pose. We discuss current approaches to risk assessment of natural enemies of insect pests, and problems associated with these methods.
Results of a probabilistic risk assessment for Trichogramma ostriniae (used inoculatively in the northeast USA for control of Ostrinia nubilalis) are presented. Ecological and behavioral traits of T. ostriniae were quantified and analyzed using Bayesian methods to predict non-target potential.
We propose that this approach should be easily adapted for use across a wide spectrum of taxa. Adoption of this approach to risk assessment of biological control agents could provide a quantitative and broadly applicable method for risk assessment.
Species 1: Hymenoptera Trichogrammatidae Trichogramma ostriniae
Keywords: Non-target potential
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