Question

Classical biological control is one of the important tools for the management of invasive species, as per FAO's ISPM Number

• A. ISPM # 2
• B. ISPM # 3
• C. ISPM # 4
• D. ISPM # 7

Hint:

Associate "ISPM # 3" directly with "Biological Control Agents."
This standard provides the international regulatory guidelines for importing, shipping, and releasing beneficial insects used in classical biocontrol programs.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations establishes international standards to protect plant health and facilitate safe trade.
These standards, known as International Standards for Phytosanitary Measures (ISPMs), are developed under the International Plant Protection Convention (IPPC).

Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
Each ISPM focuses on a specific aspect of phytosanitary regulation and plant biosecurity.
Let us review the relevant ISPMs:
- ISPM # 2: Framework for Pest Risk Analysis (PRA). This standard describes the process for evaluating biological or other scientific evidence to determine whether a pest should be regulated.
- ISPM # 3: Guidelines for the export, shipment, import, and release of biological control agents and other beneficial organisms.
This standard provides guidelines for risk management related to the intentional import and release of biological control agents (including parasitoids, predators, and pathogens) for classical biological control of invasive pests.
It outlines the responsibilities of governments, exporters, and importers to ensure that these beneficial organisms do not themselves pose ecological risks to non-target species.
- ISPM # 4: Requirements for the establishment of Pest Free Areas (PFAs). This standard describes the requirements for establishing and maintaining areas free of specific pests to facilitate trade.
- ISPM # 7: Phytosanitary certification system. This standard provides the framework for national phytosanitary certification systems.
Since classical biological control involves the importation and release of exotic biological control agents, it is governed by ISPM # 3.
Therefore, option (B) is the correct standard.

Step 3: Final Answer:
The FAO's standard governing classical biological control and the release of beneficial organisms is ISPM # 3.