Workshop on Important Arthropod Pests of the Caribbean Basin Amenable to Biological Control: Homoptera, Coleoptera, Lepidoptera: Role of Quarantine Facilities in Biological Control

Abstract

Quarantine facilities play an important role in classical biological control programs. Imported natural enemies can be identified, cleaned of diseases and hyperparasites, and studied in a secure quarantine facility without risk to the environment. Personnel at the facilities advise other researchers about regulations and techniques for importation, document results of the importations through shipment record forms, annual reports, and voucher specimens, and conduct research on biologies and host ranges of natural enemies. Not only does the quarantine facility help allay the fears of the public about the dangers of importing foreign organisms, it also protects the researcher from blame for accidental introductions not associated with the researcher's project.