Biological control of weeds: theory and practical application

Abstract

Weed problems in the Asia-Pacific region are becoming increasingly difficult to manage. Most countries in the region are not only faced with a higher risk of exotic weed introduction, the result of a major increase in travel and trade, but are also attempting to reduce their reliance on herbicides for environmental, health and sustainability reasons. Against this background, biological control clearly has a major role to play in the region, either on its own or, increasingly, as part of an integrated weed management strategy.