Classical biological control, or the introduction of natural enemies from other countries to new locations, has been a successful integrated pest management tactic against insects and weeds in numerous ecosystems throughout the world. In Tennessee, classical biological control activities also have been implemented with varying levels of success. These include projects directed at weeds (such as musk thistle and spotted knapweed) and insects (such as hemlock woolly adelgid, emerald ash borer, crapemyrtle bark scale, and kudzu bug). Biological control of musk thistle, spotted knapweed, and kudzu bug have been highly successful, while those directed at hemlock woolly adelgid have been moderately successful. Other projects (such as those against emerald ash borer and crapemyrtle bark scale) are in their infancy and cannot be fully evaluated yet. Other researchers in Tennessee have implemented biological control programs against imported fire ant, Japanese beetle, alfalfa weevil, and euonmyous scale with varying levels of success. With the current concern about pesticide contamination, pesticide resistance, and environmental pollution, classical biological control will remain a viable option for consideration in management programs. In Tennessee, several other pest species are on the horizon, and plans should be made to address these pests, which include Asian longhorned beetle, brown marmorated stink bug, spongy moth, and spotted lanternfly. This poster addresses ongoing classical biological control programs in Tennessee with emphasis on the importance of future programs.
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