Each entry details the target weed, control agent, year of first release, country of origin of agent, status and degree of control, research organisation involved, and key references. The catalogue format has been modified slightly from earlier editions to improve ease of use. The book provides an invaluable means of keeping track of the world situation, and is a handy reference for professionals, research workers and students interested in the biological control of weeds.

Publisher Description

This book discusses the biological control of weeds using arthropods, providing ecological management models for use across the tropical world.

Biological control of weeds has been practised for over 100 years and Australia has been a leader in this weed management technique. The classical example of control of prickly pears in Australia by the cactus moth Cactoblastis cactorum, which was imported from the Americas, helped to set the future for biocontrol of weeds in many countries. Since then there have been many projects using Classical Biological Control to manage numerous weed species, many of which have been successful. Importantly, there have been no serious negative non-target impacts – the technique, when practised as it is in Australia, is safe and environmentally friendly. Economic assessments have shown that biocontrol of weeds in Australia has provided exceedingly high benefit-to-cost ratios. This book reviews biological control of weeds in Australia to 2011, covering over 90 weed species and a multitude of biological control agents and potential agents. Each chapter has been written by practising biological control of weeds researchers and provides details of the weed, the history of its biological control, exploration for agents, potential agents studied and agents released and the outcomes of those releases. Many weeds were successfully controlled, some were not, many projects are still underway, some have just begun, however all are reported in detail in this book. Biological Control of Weeds in Australia will provide invaluable information for biological control researchers in Australia and elsewhere. Agents used in Australia could be of immense value to other countries that suffer from the same weeds as Australia. The studies reported here provide direction to future research and provide examples and knowledge for researchers and students.

Biological control – utilizing a population of natural enemies to seasonally or permanently suppress pests – is not a new concept. The cottony cushion scale, which nearly destroyed the citrus industry of California, was controlled by an introduced predatory insect in the 1880s. Accelerated invasions by insects and spread of weedy non-native plants in the last century have increased the need for the use of biological control. Use of carefully chosen natural enemies has become a major tool for the protection of natural ecosystems, biodiversity and agricultural and urban environments. This book offers a multifaceted yet integrated discussion on two major applications of biological control: permanent control of invasive insects and plants at the landscape level and temporary suppression of both native and exotic pests in farms, tree plantations, and greenhouses. Written by leading international experts in the field, the text discusses control of invasive species and the role of natural enemies in pest management. This book is essential reading for courses on Invasive Species, Pest Management, and Crop Protection. It is an invaluable reference book for biocontrol professionals, restorationists, agriculturalists, and wildlife biologists. Further information and resources can be found on the Editor’s own website at: www.invasiveforestinsectandweedbiocontrol.info/index.htm

This guide focuses on the most problematic weeds in eastern North America for which there are at least some biocontrol agents established and/or available. Multiple photos and descriptions of each weed included in this guide emphasize key identification traits and plant ecology. For each weed included in this guide, all biocontrol agents released or currently found in North America are described individually. Photos highlighting key identification features and damage are included. The release history, current status, and recommended use of each biocontrol agent are described in detail. Recommendations and current impact often vary between the US and Canada, therefore, the information is presented separately. Includes international code of best practices for classical biological control of weeds.

Non-Chemical Weed Control is the first book to present an overview of plant crop protection against non-food plants using non-chemical means. Plants growing wild—particularly unwanted plants found in cultivated ground to the exclusion of the desired crop—have been treated with herbicides and chemical treatments in the past. As concern over environmental, food and consumer safety increases, research has turned to alternatives, including the use of cover crops, thermal treatments and biotechnology to reduce and eliminate unwanted plants. This book provides insight into existing and emerging alternative crop protection methods and includes lessons learned from past methodologies. As crop production resources decline while consumer concerns over safety increase, the effective control of weeds is imperative to insure the maximum possible levels of soil, sunlight and nutrients reach the crop plants. - Allows reader to identify the most appropriate solution based on their individual use or case - Provides researchers, students and growers with current concepts regarding the use of modern, environment-friendly weed control techniques - Presents methods of weed management—an important part of integrated weed management in the future - Exploits the knowledge gained from past sustainable weed management efforts

This book enhances our understanding of biological control, integrating historical analysis, theoretical models and case studies in an ecological framework.

These proceedings contain the full-length papers and abstracts of papers presented at the symposium. Subjects covered include: ecology and modelling in biological control of weeds; benefits, risks and cost analysis of biological weed control; target and biological control agent selection; pre-release specificity and efficacy testing; regulations and public awareness; evolutionary processes; opportunities and constraints for the biological control of weeds in Europe; release activities and post-release evaluations; and management specifics, integration, restoration and implementation.