Biological control in Puerto Rico.

Abstract

Abstract The role of natural enemies in pest control was recognized by naturalists visiting Puerto Rico around 1800 and 1870. Natural control of sugarcane borers by parasitoids and vertebrate predators of sugarcane borer was first documented in 1895. Pests in sugarcane received much attention in the early 20th century, starting with the introduction in 1912 of a ladybird for control of mealybugs. Biocontrol research in Puerto Rico peaked in the period from 1900 to 1950, when more than 75 species of parasitoids and predators of various pests were introduced. After 1970, several successful classical biocontrol projects resulted in control of water weeds, such as hornwort with grass carp, and water hyacinth, water lettuce and alligator weed with phytophagous coleopterans. Other projects concerned natural, classical, fortuitous and conservation biocontrol with predators and parasitoids of pests in citrus, coffee, cucurbits, papaya and pigeon pea. In 2014 a project was initiated for control of the Harrisia cactus mealybug. Recent interest in organic agriculture and environmentally friendly agricultural practices in Puerto Rico has resulted in biocontrol being considered more often for management of pests and diseases.