Behavioral studies, molecular approaches, and modeling: Methodological contributions to biological control success

Modern biological control practitioners must increasingly demonstrate a level of rigor that can only be achieved through use of effective methodological tools such as modeling, behavioral studies and molecular approaches. The use of these technologies is maturing rapidly in biological control and makes tangible contributions to its success. Behavioral studies often uncover important aspects of biology that would otherwise be overlooked, such as the influence of pre-release handling on establishment success and the response of natural enemies to host-induced plant volatiles. Molecular approaches allow the identification and detection of genetically distinct populations of invasive pest species and their natural enemies, tracing the origin of invasive pest populations and compatible natural enemies, and development of improved recombinant natural enemies. Modeling enables theory and empirical observation to optimize agent selection and release, and to predict quantitative impacts on target and non-target populations. All three methodologies, particularly in combination, contribute to our understanding of the reasons for success and failure in biological control, and together with post-release validation studies build the foundations to improve the success of future biological control releases.