ECOLOGICAL CONSIDERATIONS FOR THE ENVIRONMENTAL-IMPACT EVALUATION OF RECOMBINANT BACULOVIRUS INSECTICIDES

The history of baculoviruses in insect control and the current status of recombinant baculovirus (recBV) insecticides in the laboratory and the field are briefly outlined. A conceptual model for impact evaluati on is described that distinguishes between scientific impact evaluatio n and regulatory risk assessment. Its components are identified and re viewed in the light of existing ecological theory and experimental stu dy under the categories of impact identification, exposure identificat ion, and impact evaluation. Impact identification aims to identify spe cies and populations sensitive to direct or indirect impacts by a recB V. Exposure identification examines how susceptible populations may be exposed to a recBV. Impact evaluation combines these data to predict the potential for recBV impacts in the environment.