Successes in Biological Control of Weeds

Successes in Biological Control of Weeds

4-14 July 1999 | R. E. CRUTTWELL MCFADYEN
The article by R. E. Cruttwell McFadyen, titled "Successes in Biological Control of Weeds," highlights the numerous successful instances of using introduced insects and pathogens to control weeds globally. The author emphasizes that despite the high initial costs, biological control programs have saved millions of dollars and are cost-effective. However, these successes are often not widely recognized due to factors such as poor resource allocation, long time lags, and the failure to record or remember the extent of pre-biocontrol weed infestations. McFadyen argues that biocontrol scientists need to publicize their successes to demonstrate that biological control is a successful, cost-effective, and environmentally sustainable method of weed control. The article provides examples of successful biological control programs, including the control of tansy ragwort in the USA, nodding thistle in Canada and the USA, Cordia curassavica in Malaysia and Mauritius, Noogoora burr in Australia, and water hyacinth in various regions. These successes have led to significant economic and social benefits, such as increased agricultural productivity and reduced environmental damage. McFadyen also discusses the challenges and misconceptions surrounding biological control, such as the belief that it is unreliable and has a poor success rate. He attributes these misconceptions to the lack of awareness about past successes and the initial failures that are often forgotten. The article concludes by emphasizing the need for better resource allocation and public recognition of the benefits of biological control to promote its adoption as a viable and effective weed control method.The article by R. E. Cruttwell McFadyen, titled "Successes in Biological Control of Weeds," highlights the numerous successful instances of using introduced insects and pathogens to control weeds globally. The author emphasizes that despite the high initial costs, biological control programs have saved millions of dollars and are cost-effective. However, these successes are often not widely recognized due to factors such as poor resource allocation, long time lags, and the failure to record or remember the extent of pre-biocontrol weed infestations. McFadyen argues that biocontrol scientists need to publicize their successes to demonstrate that biological control is a successful, cost-effective, and environmentally sustainable method of weed control. The article provides examples of successful biological control programs, including the control of tansy ragwort in the USA, nodding thistle in Canada and the USA, Cordia curassavica in Malaysia and Mauritius, Noogoora burr in Australia, and water hyacinth in various regions. These successes have led to significant economic and social benefits, such as increased agricultural productivity and reduced environmental damage. McFadyen also discusses the challenges and misconceptions surrounding biological control, such as the belief that it is unreliable and has a poor success rate. He attributes these misconceptions to the lack of awareness about past successes and the initial failures that are often forgotten. The article concludes by emphasizing the need for better resource allocation and public recognition of the benefits of biological control to promote its adoption as a viable and effective weed control method.
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[slides and audio] Biological control of weeds.