Invasive Species Council of British Columbia

Webinar: Biological Control – A Management Tool in BC

Date: October 21, 2021

Time: 9:00am-10:00am PT

Knapweed root weevil (Cyphocleonus achates), N. Corbo-Quanstrom

Biological control, or biocontrol, is a very important tool in controlling invasive species. It involves controlling various pests, including invasive plants, by introducing natural enemies.

Using biological control as a management tool in BC involves a multifaceted approach, from navigating legislation, policies and funding, to examining multi-country research, current science, data and databases, agencies and practitioners.

Most importantly, using biological control to manage invasive plants requires an understanding of the biocontrol agents, the plants to be controlled and the life cycles and timing of each. This presentation provides an overview of these topics and where practitioners can find more information on using biocontrol effectively.

About the presenter: Susan Turner has been with the BC MFLNRORD Invasive Plant Program for twenty-nine years. As her program is provincial in scope, Susan has an appreciation for the variety and uniqueness of the province and the invasive plant issues. She is a Professional Agrologist and a licensed teacher. She holds a BSc in Biology and a BEd in secondary sciences from the University of BC As the Biocontrol Specialist, Susan is a liaison with federal and global biological control scientists on behalf of BC’s interests and maintains a current understanding of legal requirements to import biocontrol agents. She oversees the program that is committed to obtaining new biocontrol agents for the province, understanding their BC habitat requirements and effects on their target plants and ensuring information is shared with clients and the public.

This webinar is approved in British Columbia for one Continuing Education Credit (CEC) towards pesticide applicator certification. To qualify for the credit, participate in the webinar including the quiz at the end. Please contact IVMA with any questions you may have.

This webinar is co-hosted by:


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