There is a requirement to develop effective methods for the sustainable control of pests of agricultural, veterinary, medical and domestic importance. However, there is a widening gap between practical biocontrol on the one hand, and population ecology and its associated theories on the other. There is a view that those developing commercial biocontrol solutions are not benefiting from new insights provided by academic population ecologists. Equally, population ecologists in academic institutions are becoming less aware of the needs of biocontrol practitioners and the opportunities that their work provides.

The aim of this meeting is to explore why the gap exists, and the associated consequences and opportunities. Keynote speakers will address whether there are benefits to be gained from increased dialogue between population ecologists and biocontrol practitioners. Presentations will be given by population ecologists, biocontrol researchers/practitioners. Sessions will be organised around the different strategies used for biocontrol: classical, augmentation and conservation biocontrol.

Accomodation will be available at Studley Castle from 4th December 2007.