Return to Publications List Research
Index
[Navigate to MAIN MENU ]
|
269. Derived from : Legner, E. F. 2008. Biological Pest
Control: A History. Encyclopedia of Pest Management, 17 Nov;
1:1, 1-4. Taylor & Francis, NY.
Summary References Biological
pest control might have been recognized circa 400 BCE in China with the
correct interpretation of behavior and development of predators, but F. Redi
in 1668 observed that arthropods do not arise by spontaneous generation
(DeBach & Rosen 1991). Van
Leeuwenhoek in 1700 proposed that parasitoids and pathogens might be
essential to the natural control of pests.
However, it was R. Réaumur in 1734 that suggested such organisms be
used as a direct pest control tactic.
He advised the release of lacewings in greenhouses for the control of
aphids. Earlier observations by ordinary farmers certainly led to
an appreciation of the action of predators, as predation is obvious and
easily viewed. Indeed, pest control
was attained in Egypt by 2,000 BCE when humans kept cats to protect stored
grain from rodents. In China citrus
growers used Oecophylla smaragdina Fab. for the control of
lepidopteran and coleopteran pests in 324 BCE. The ants build nests in trees and these were collected and
sold to growers. In order to aid the
foraging of ants, bamboo bridges were built between the citrus trees. DeBach (1974) observed this practice still
being used in North Burma in the 1950s, and it continues to be used in
China. Other efforts deployed general
predators such as the mongoose, owls and other birds, toads, ants, etc. |