This chaper describes the areawide pest management (AWPM) programme for the Hawaii fruit fly (Diptera: Tephritidae). The programme included developing and integrating biologically based pest technology into a comprehensive IPM package that was economically viable, environmentally friendly and sustainable. It included operational, research, education and assessment components. The technologies included (i) field sanitation; (ii) application of protein bait sprays; (iii) male and female annihilation with male lures and other attractants; (iv) sterile insect releases; and (v) conservation or release of beneficial parasitoids. The development and implementation of education and technology transfer programmes are discussed for the success of the AWPM programme. The implementation of the AWPM programme and its compatibility with crop management and management of co-occurring pests; efficacy at controlling the target pest; unintended negative and positive consequences; sociological evaluation; and economic evaluation of cost and benefits are discussed.

One of the challenges in the application of biotechnology to pest control is the identification of agents found in nature which can be used effectively. Biotechnology offers the potential of developing pesticides based on such agents which will provide environmentally sound and economically feasible insect control alternatives. Such an agent, the insect pathogen Bacillus thuringiensis, is the subject of intense investigations in several laboratories. Insecticides which use the entomocidal properties of B. thuringiensis are currently produced and sold worldwide; new products are currently in the development stage. Herein, the biology and genetics of B. thuringiensis and the problems associated with current products are critically reviewed with respect to biotechnology. Moreover, the economic and regulatory implications of technologically advanced products are evaluated.

The areawide pest management approach, which aims to maintain pest populations below damaging levels, is described, including its implementation. The techniques that can be used in AWPM approach include traditional biological control, host resistance, cultural practices, physical, mechanical, chemical control and their combinations.

An enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was used to detect and quantitate the parasporal crystal toxins of Bacillus thuringiensis subspp. kurstaki and israelensis. The assay method described is extremely sensitive, accurate, and highly specific. With this technique, crystalline insecticidal proteins from several subspecies of B. thuringiensis were compared. The dipteran crystal toxin produced by B. thuringiensis subsp. israelensis was shown to share few epitopes with the lepidopteran toxin from B. thuringiensis subspp. kurstaki, tolworthi, berliner, and alesti.