Field surveys are conducted to find infestations of these pests in Minnesota for releases and recoveries of the biological control agents. The BCF is a greenhouse designed for insect rearing and as a classroom. Ladybeetles and other beneficials are reared to demonstrate how they can help control plant pests such as aphids, mealybugs, two-spotted spider mites, and scales. Some beneficials produced at the facility are introduced in atriums, households, conservatories, and greenhouses to show how beneficial insects and mites can be used as an alternative method of pest control. The classroom features arthropod species collected around the world and imaging system that creates pictures of live insects and mites as seen under a microscope.
Staff give presentations to students.
Current project areas focus on biological control of Gypsy Moth and some key Apple Pests. The program's goal is to promote adoption of biological control of pests in Minnesota. The Plant Pest Survey provides real-time information on the distribution, abundance and management of major crop pests. MDA survey personnel regularly check alfalfa, corn, soybean, small grains, and sunflower for insects, diseases, and weeds. European corn borer, sunflower beetle, potato leafhopper, and alfalfa weevil are a few examples of pest species the survey monitors during the growing season.