Biological Control Projects

The Beneficial Insects Laboratory has successfully implemented several programs to biologically control pest insects and weeds. Typically, we implement and help evaluate existing biological projects, rather than originate new projects; our research involves rearing and release methods, follow-up monitoring of releases, impact evaluation, and understanding the biology/ecology of both target pest and control agent. Biological control agents reared at the Beneficial Insects Lab are not available for distribution to the general public; Lab staff work with cooperators to coordinate releases and monitoring of these biological control agents.
 

Hemlock Woolly Adelgid

  • The hemlock woolly adelgid biological control program is conducted with several State and Federal cooperators. Predatory beetles in the genus Laricobius are collected from field sites and redistributed to other areas or reared in the laboratory for distribution.
  • To help manage hemlock woolly adelgid, the Beneficial Insects Laboratory raised over 600,000 Sasajiscymnus tsugae beetles for release in North Carolina and other states. Our recent surveys of historical release sites have recovered these predatory beetles in areas where they were last released up to 20 years previously.
  • Predatory flies (Leucotaraxis argenticollis and L. peniperda) are also being investigated as predators of the spring generation of hemlock woolly adelgid. Studies in conjunction with the USDA Forest Service and other cooperators will help determine factors that influence the establishment of the predatory flies in the southern Appalachians.

Invasive Knotweeds

  • The introduced species Japanese knotweed (Fallopia japonica), giant knotweed (F. sachalinensis), and Bohemian knotweed (F. x bohemica) are invasive weeds often found in riparian areas. NCDA&CS, in cooperation with USDA-APHIS and researchers at Oregon State University, is currently involved in rearing and releasing a specialized herbivore (Aphalara itadori) as a biological control of these knotweed species in NC. Thus far, A. itadori have been released in 12 counties across all four ecoregions of the State.

Spotted Wing Drosophila

  • Spotted wing drosophila (Drosophila suzukii) is an important pest of berries in the U.S. Recently, one of its natural enemies Ganaspis kimorum (formerly G. brasiliensis) was approved for release in the U.S. In cooperation with USDA-APHIS and our collaborators at NCSU, we are rearing and releasing this biocontrol and monitoring release sites for establishment. Biological control efforts incorporating G. kimorum have been conducted in all four ecoregions of the State.

Spotted Lanternfly Parasitoid Testing

  • Spotted lanternfly (Lycorma delicatula) is an invasive planthopper first detected in Pennsylvania in 2014. It is now found in at least 15 states, including North Carolina. The Beneficial Insects Lab is assisting Federal cooperators at USDA with testing potential biological control agents by collecting and supplying them with native planthopper species. The main biological control agent is a parasitoid wasp that consumes the nymphs of spotted lanternfly. Native planthoppers are contained with the parasitoids to determine if the biological controls will feed on them. This testing is required using an array of native species before biological control agents can be considered safe for release in the U.S.

Alligatorweed

  • Alligatorweed (Alternanthera philoxeroides) is an invasive weed that infests ponds and waterways throughout the southeastern U.S. The Beneficial Insects Lab is working with State and Federal cooperators to determine the extent of two introduced biological control insects, alligatorweed flea beetle (Agasicles hygrophila) and alligatorweed thrips (Amynothrips andersoni), within the State to enhance management of this invasive plant.

Other Resources

  • Recent previous biological control projects have focused on such pests and weeds as imported fire ant, emerald ash borer, kudzu bug, and mile-a-minute vine. For details on these projects, refer to the Plant Industry Division Annual Reports.
  • The Quarantine Facility is specially designed for working with exotic pests. Space may be available for researchers collaborating with the Beneficial Insects Lab.

For Additional Information Contact: 

Plant Protection Section - Greg Wiggins, Biological Control Administrator 
Mailing Address: 1060 Mail Service Center, Raleigh NC 27699-1060
Physical Address: 950 E Chatham St, Cary, NC 27511
Phone: (984) 477-8030 FAX: (919) 233-8394