Title: Weed biocontrol conference examines factors for success
The Nearctic and Neotropical Regional Sections of the International Organization for Biological Control of Noxious Animals and Plants (IOBC) hosted a scientific conference to promote awareness and networking of biocontrol issues of common interest among the Americas, May 11-13, 2010, Niagra Falls, Ontario, Canada. The professionals gathered often face similar pest problems and share common approaches to developing biological control programs. With the current controversy over accessing and benefit sharing of biological resources in other countries, it is important to better understand the biological control programs that are present elsewhere and how people can share technology to the mutual benefit of all parties. The keynote speaker for the meeting was Dr. Jacques Brodeur, President of IOBC Global, who provided an update on the IOBC Commission on "Biological Control and Access and Benefit Sharing". The three day conference included symposia topics ranging from invasive pests, risks and benefits of exploration for biocontrol agents in the Americas, ecosystem landscapes and habitat management for IPM, challenges and successes for commercialization and implementation of biocontrol agents, microbial biological control, weed biocontrol, biological control with egg parasitoids and more.