Risk assessment procedures in Argentina for the safe import, quarantine and release of biological control agents against pests.

Abstract

The decision to import and release biological control agents is a national one that may involve various authorities. It will be overseen by the national plant protection organisation that implements the responsibilities described in the International Plant Protection Convention. This article provides an overview of the decision processes and roles of these authorities in Argentina. Argentina has a long history of coordination with the other Southern Cone nations on plant protection and other technical sanitary and phytosanitary matters associated with trade. This article reports on 25 years of evaluation, import and release of exotic biological control agents. Not a single import with a permit has faced rejection on the basis of phytosanitary requirements. This record highlights the region's commitment to integrated pest management approaches that rely on international shipments of live insects and other beneficial organisms.