ABSTRACT
Nature provides a complex system of pest control that has evolved over millions of years. Pest, predator, parasite and parasitoid interactions are extremely complex, with parasitoids and predators often functioning in keystone species roles. In controlling agricultural pests, the challenge is that the act of growing agricultural crops inherently disrupts these communities interactions; certain forms of agricultural production, such as monoculture planting and use of synthetic pesticides can further disrupt these systems, to the point where natural control from predators and parasitoids is virtually eliminated. The movement of humans, crops, and insects has led to creation of new pest problems. The movement of goods through trade can either move pests to new areas or lead to the creation of new pests in areas where the pest species previously was not considered a pest. The classic example of this phenomenon is the creation of the Colorado potato beetle.
