Radiation sources supporting the use of natural enemies for biological control of agricultural pests

Augmentative biological control as a component of integrated pest management programmes involves the release of natural enemies of the pest, such as parasitoids and predators. Several potential uses for nuclear techniques have been identified which can benefit such programmes; these benefits include facilitating trade, protecting the environment and increasing the overall efficacy of the programmes. This may involve sterilising feed material, hosts or even the control insects. Radiation is currently the most favoured sterilising agent, although availability and cost of radiation sources are considered as limiting the use of radiation in support of biological control. This paper reviews various radiation sources that may be used for this purpose, including a comparison of several key parameters such as cost estimates of these radiation sources that should assist in making a judicious selection of a suitable irradiator. (author)