The Biopesticides program serves as an information source on biopesticides (biologically based products such as semiochemicals and microbial agents used for short-term control of pest species) for State and Private Forestry staffs nationwide. This is done in part by maintaining the Forest Service Pesticide Assessment Program database. The program is also instrumental in coordinating USDA support for advancing the development of biopesticides for use in limited markets such as forestry. We also help coordinate and focus funding for the development, integration, and implementation of biopesticides in integrated pest management programs. The program encourages development of pesticides to increase the range of alternatives available to resource managers, as well as, to replace conventional chemical pesticides, which are toxic to a broader spectrum of nontarget species, can threaten ground water quality, and lead to the development of pesticide resistant pests.
Among successful development areas are:
- Systemic insecticides and application methods for Asian longhorned beetle.
- Optimizing Gypchek (the gypsy moth nucleopolyhedrosis virus) and TM-biocontrol-1 (the Douglas-fir tussock moth nucleopolyhedrosis virus) for operational use.
- Maximizing efficacy and minimizing nontarget impacts for entomopathogens (Bacillus thuringiensis var. kustaki and Gypchek) applied to control gypsy moth.
The Biopesticide program provides support nationwide to the Forest Service's State and Private Forestry staffs, Forest Health Protection staffs, other USDA and Department of the Interior staffs, and other federal, state, local and international organizations involved in pest management. |
