International Code of Best Practices for Classical Biological Control of Weeds
Classical biological control of weeds has a history of being effective and environmentally safe. As its popularity grows and its use expands beyond highly trained practitioners and scientists, it becomes more and more important for users of biological control to understand the risks and adhere to standards that ensure continued safety and efficacy.
The following guidelines were presented by Joe Balciunas (research entomologist at USDA Agricultural Research Service) to delegates at the X International Symposium on Biological Control of Weeds, held in Bozeman, Montana. The International Code of Best Practices for Classical Biological Control of Weeds was overwhelmingly adopted by delegates on July 9th, 1999 and was designed to provide practitioners with internationally agreed-upon guidelines to help select the actions that reduce risk and enhance positive impact.
The Integrate Weed Control Project is committed to adhering to the intent of the guidelines below:
- Ensure the target weed's potential impact justifies the risk of releasing nonendemic agents.
- Obtain multi-agency approval for the target weed.
- Select agents with potential to control the target weed.
- Release safe and approved agents.
- Ensure only the intended agent is released.
- Use appropriate protocols for release and documentation.
- Monitor impact on the target.
- Stop releases of ineffective agents, or when control is achieved.
- Monitor impacts on potential nontarget species.
- Encourage assessment of changes in plant and animal communities.
- Monitor interaction among agents.
- Communicate results to the public.
For more information regarding the International Code of Best Practices for Classical Biological Control of Weeds, please contact us. A more thorough description of each guideline is available in the following publication:
Balciunas, J.K., Coombs, E., 2004. International code of best practices for classical biological control of weeds. In: Biological Control of Invasive Plants in the US. 1st edition. Corvallis, OR: Oregon State University Press. p.130-136.
updated 8-7-08
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