ABSTRACT
This chapter provides an overview of some contemporary issues in biological control, with particular emphasis on those which appear most relevant to the use of entomopathogenic nematodes. Natural enemies would include insect parasitoids, predaceous arthropods, nematodes, and microbial pathogens. With advances in molecular biology and genetic engineering, some have proposed that the definition of biological control include not only intact enemies, but their gene products as well. The importation of exotic natural enemies for biological control of both native and exotic insect pests has been practiced on an organized basis. Entomologists generally divide biological control into two broad categories: natural biological control, or that which is effected by native natural enemies in the native home of a given insect; and applied biological control, or that which exists due to human intervention. The factors which affect the post-colonization performance of an introduced natural enemy have been extensively reviewed, with particular emphasis on classical biological control.
