Bernd Blossey
Friday, October 17, 2008 - 8:30-9:00
Classical biological weed control is the use of specialized natural enemies of non-indigenous plants from the native range to manage a target plant that has become problematic in agricultural or natural environments. Biological weed control programs have a long history with more than 1200 programs releasing 350 species of insects and pathogens targeting 133 plant species worldwide. Over time, national and international efforts have resulted in a near standardization of procedures, albeit tailored to the individual plant targets and natural enemies. I will review the rationale for targeting introduced plants with control, the concerns associated with release of insect herbivores from the home range of a non-indigenous plant and introduce the currently widely accepted template used in these efforts. I will provide a critical review of current biocontrol efforts (science, funding, politics) and argue that benefits of biological control must continue to be weighed against the risks of non-target attack, risks of allowing invasive species to remain unchecked, and risks associated with other control measures.
Keywords: BIOLOGICAL CONTROL, INSECTS, PATHOGENS, RELEASE, NON-INDIGENOUS PLANTS