252 



Louisiana, and mindful that the experiment was conducted In an area represen- 

 tative of the most severe boll weevil conditions likely to be encountered in 

 the boll weevil belt, the Technical Guidance Committee has reached the conclu- 

 sion that it is technically and operationally feasible to eliminate the boll 

 weevil as an economic pest in the United States by the use of techniques that 

 are ecologically acceptable. The economic and environmental benefits of achieving 

 this goal will far exceed the costs that will be involved. For such program to 

 be successful, it must be carried out with thoroughness and precision. The 

 participation of a number of agencies will be required. Complete cooperation 

 and participation by all cotton growers in the boll weevil belt is essential. 



482. . 1978. Eradication of Plant Pests - Pro.Advances in Technology for 

 Insect populations eradication and suppression. Bull. Entomol. Soc. Am. 

 24: 44-52. 

 Scientists have different views on the most practical approach to the protection 

 of plants and animals from insect attack. This is understandable becau3e of the 

 diversity of insect problems; the wide range in biology, habits, and behavior of 

 pests; and the many factors that determine the most effective and practical pro- 

 cedures to employ from the standpoint of costs and benefits and ecological impact 

 on the environment. I propose that 3 control methods be recognized in our 

 long-range efforts to provide practical and ecologically acceptable solutions 

 to insect pest problems: (1) Eradication of pests from specified areas when it 

 is demonstrated to be technically and operationally feasible and economically 

 advantageous, (2) management of some major pests by an organized and coordinated 

 attack on pest populations on an area-wide or ecosystem basis, and (3) the 

 critical monitoring of pest conditions and the application of appropriate con- 

 trol measures where and when pests appear in damaging numbers. The 3rd method 

 has been the procedure relied upon for most pests in the past. Such procedures 

 based on better monitoring techniques and more judicious selection and use of 



