Safety and regulations in biological control

Safety assessments vary between different types of biological control 

Biological control approaches are often divided into three different groups:

1. Classical biological control 
2. Augmentation biological control
3. Conservation biological control

In classic biological control, special attention must be given to the fact that the imported and introduced organism is new to the region. The evaluation must therefore include detailed investigations on how the organism can proliferate and spread as well as its potential to  effect other organisms than the pest. For augmentation biological control, the organism is formulated into a marketed product, which in most cases requires authorization. In conservation biological control, resident organisms in the environment are stimulated and therefore the possible effects on non-target organisms is largely transient. Conservation biological control is not regulated by law.

Microorganism, insect or other small animal?

Another factor of importance for the safety assessment is whether the control organism is a microorganism, an insect or another kind of animal. There are many similarities between microorganisms and beneficial animals in terms of potential side-effects on other organisms in the environment. However, for microorganisms it is also very important to investigate whether they could cause disease in humans.

Approval of biological control agents in Europe

The regulations in Europe for approval of biological control agents and products vary depending on the type of beneficial organism. Microorganisms are categorized based on the intended use, either as plant protection products or biocides, and require approval as such. After approval of the active microorganism at EU level, the formulated product must be authorized nationally. Today, this is done in three major climate zones rather than individual countries. For insects and other small animals, there is no common European legislation and the countries address them differently.

In Sweden, the Swedish Chemicals Agency is the main responsible authority for authorization of microbial agents, whereas the Swedish Environmental Protection Agency authorizes new insects and other small animals.