Integrating adverse effect analysis into environmental risk assessment for exotic generalist arthropod biological control agents: a three-tiered framework

Abstract

Environmental risk assessments (ERAs) are required before utilizing exotic arthropods for biological control (BC). Present ERAs focus on exposure analysis (host/prey range) and have resulted in approval of many specialist exotic biological control agents (BCA). In comparison to specialists, generalist arthropod BCAs (GABCAs) have been considered inherently risky and less used in classical biological control. To safely consider exotic GAB-CAs, an ERA must include methods for the analysis of potential effects. A panel of 47 experts from 14 countries discussed, in six online forums over 12 months, scientific criteria for an ERA for exotic GABCAs. Using four case studies, a three-tiered ERA comprising Scoping, Screening and Definitive Assessments was developed. The ERA is primarily based on expert consultation, with decision processes in each tier that lead to the approval of the petition or the subsequent tier. In the Scoping Assessment, likelihood of establishment (for augmentative BC), and potential effect(s) are qualitatively assessed. If risks are identified, the Screening Assessment is conducted, in which 19 categories of effects (adverse and beneficial) are quantified. If a risk exceeds the proposed risk threshold in any of these categories, the analysis Débora. P. Paula and David A. Andow contributed equally to the study.

Risk Analysis Frameworks Used in Biological Control and Introduction of a Novel Bayesian Network Tool

“…As with other risk assessment tools, BAIPA can be used as a component of more complete biocontrol risk assessment frameworks (e.g., Fig. 1; Paula, Andow, Barratt, Pfannenstiel, & van Lenteren, 2019; Paula et al., 2021). Further discussion of the important attributes offered by BAIPA are given below.…”

Using economics to inform and evaluate biological control programs: opportunities, challenges, and recommendations for future research

“…Even when economic analysis is comprehensive and considers multiple benefits of managing the target species (e.g., Paula et al 2021), there is no standardized framework for defining and valuing impacts of biocontrol. In addition to acknowledging Using economics to inform and evaluate biological control programs: opportunities, challenges,… 1 3…”

“…Short-term studies might fail to fully capture broader regional and temporal impacts, and vice versa. Another challenge lies in the perpetual risk of non-target effects of biocontrol agents over time, which may lead to unintended ecological consequences (externalities) (e.g., Paula et al 2021). The interaction of biocontrol agents with existing ecosystems could lead to unforeseen results that are challenging to incorporate into economic evaluations and continues to highlight the need for more field and observational data.…”

Invasion of the coccinellid community associated with a tropical annual agroecosystem

“…They may alter the behaviour of intraguild species reducing their densities (Moran & Hurd, 1994) or even increasing the likelihood of coexistence (Hentley et al, 2016). Detailed study of the mechanisms by which generalist predators invade and become invasive is needed to understand when and how these diverse consequences may manifest and to facilitate risk analysis for proposed introductions (Paula, Andow, et al, 2021).…”

“…Detailed study of the mechanisms by which generalist predators invade and become invasive is needed to understand when and how these diverse consequences may manifest and to facilitate risk analysis for proposed introductions (Paula, Andow, et al, 2021).…”