Biological control of weeds: a world catalogue of agents and their target weeds.

Abstract

Biological control is a fascinating discipline where experimental projects are conducted at ecoregional scales. Biological control using natural enemies and native organisms is an important tool in the land manager’s arsenal of weed control techniques. The practice has been expanding from use primarily on rangelands and aquatic systems into other environments. The editors of this comprehensive work have embarked on the difficult task of cataloging the biological control of invasive plants (noxious weeds) on a global scale. With each successive edition of this World Catalogue of Biological Control of Weeds since 1982, the monumental task of pulling together so much information has been compounded by the ever changing geopolitical landscape and the increasing number of targeted weeds and new biocontrol agents. This book will serve as a valuable reference to practitioners and scientists throughout the world, help foster cooperation of partnerships on new and old projects, and advance the science of biocontrol. Some biological control agents are redistributed to countries, states, regions, etc., where the political entity has relied on host specificity testing conducted in another country or by an adjoining neighbor.