Good bugs and bad bugs across time and space: A crash course in the diversity and creativity of modern classical biological control programs

The introduction of approved classical biological control agents to control invasive species has been safely and successfully implemented across the globe in a variety of ecosystems and contexts. Each invasive species presents stakeholders and researchers with unique challenges, requiring creativity and persistence throughout the pre- and post- release evaluation process. The purpose of this presentation is to highlight the diversity of approaches in implementing and assessing classical biological control programs, which has been the focus of much of my career. This 30 minute presentation will be split into three sections: 1) investigation of factors affecting hibiscus mealybug (Nipaecoccus viridis) parasitoid development and success in a quarantine setting, 2) assessing the dispersal of the parasitoids of emerald ash borer (Agrilus planipennis) using sentinel hosts in the field, and 3) development of a student-centered community of learning in an online asynchronous course focused on the statewide evaluation of the persistence and distribution of the classical biological control agents of invasive mole crickets (Neoscapteriscus spp.) decades after their initial release. The purposes and results of these projects, as well as their differences and similarities, will be discussed in the context of one another and modern classical biological control.