SUITABILITY AND POTENTIAL OF ENTOMOPATHOGENIC MICROORGANISMS FOR FOREST PEST-MANAGEMENT - SOME POINTS FOR CONSIDERATION

The suitability of entomopathogenic organisms as part of a suite of control measures in integrated pest management schemes in forestry is critically reviewed. The use of fungi, viruses, bacteria, protozoa and nematodes as control agents of forest insect pests is discussed with particular reference to the contrast between these organisms and chemical control methods. In general entomopathogenic organisms are environmentally more suitable than the latter and, although currently more expensive in monetary terms, are in the long run less expensive in terms of deleterious side effects such as human health hazards and destruction of non-target organisms. The fact that many of these organisms are able to persist in the environment, despite their target organisms being at low levels, also makes them more attractive to use than conventional insecticides. The considerations that need to be given before using such organisms, and future developments, are discussed. The use of entomopathogenic fungi and baculoviruses as components of IPM systems is highly recommended and seen as a real alternative to chemical control methods in forestry.