Bioinsecticides and non-target pest species

Abstract

The onset of bioinsecticide use largely precedes that of conventional insecticides, although not as controversial. Regardless, both are management tools aimed at insect pest species that share varied misconceptions and misperceptions. Foremost is the fact that although used against a pest species, bioinsecticides reach not only the targeted insect pest species, but also its associated community, including non-targeted pest species. Such exposure can cause diverse consequences potentially leading to secondary pest outbreaks. Even when exposure of non-targeted pest species does not take place, these organisms may still be indirectly affected by the bioinsecticidal effect on the target species or other associated community members, including parasites, predators, and particularly heterospecific competitors. These potential effects are often overlooked in studies with bioinsecticides – a neglect hardly justifiable.