Author
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CORDO, HUGO - USDA/ARS/SABCL |
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Submitted to: Argentina Entomological Society
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal Publication Acceptance Date: 5/11/2003 Publication Date: 7/20/2004 Citation: ISSN 0373-5680 Rev. Soc. Entomol. Argent. 63 (1-2): 1-9, 2004 Interpretive Summary: This publication tries to show to the general public and particularly to the administration of Protected Natural Areas of Argentina that biological control of weeds is a feasible option against invasive exotic plants. These invasive plants occur in all protected natural areas of the country and in some of them often are the dominant plants. In most cases the situation is accepted as irremediable and in a very few mechanical and chemical control is applied. Biological control of weeds is utilized worldwide by many countries and has provided solutions for a vast array of situations and weeds species. Nevertheless, in Argentina the method is thought of as an unapproachable methodology because of the apparent difficulties in obtaining controlling agents. This paper explains that organisms needed for biological control of wisely selected weeds could be acquired via international cooperation. However, in pursuing this objective and opening effective channels of cooperation with well-known institutes of biological control it is vital to create sound programs that assure the continuity of projects. Technical Abstract: Biological Control of Weeds as a Feasible Option against Invasive Exotic Plants in Protected Natural Areas of Argentina. Natural areas of Argentina, protected because of their unique fauna, flora and landscape, are threatened by non-indigenous plants. Replacement plant communities of the natural areas are often dominated by a few successful cosmopolitan exotic weeds. Since eradication of these noxious plants is not possible, control methods should be implemented to maintain their populations below harmful levels. Integrated control is perhaps the best alternative because it uses all methods of control available, cultural, manual, mechanical, chemical and biological. Biological control of weeds is utilized worldwide by many countries and has provided solutions for a vast array of situations and weeds species. In Argentina, biological control of weeds is thought of as an unapproachable methodology because of the apparent difficulties in obtaining controlling agents. This is not always true since organisms needed for biological control of selected weeds could be acquired via international cooperation. In order to open effective channels of cooperation with well-known institutes of biological control it is vital to create sound programs that assures the continuity of projects. |
