Suitability of grasses as targets for biological control

Authors: Goolsby, John; CRISTOFARO, MASSIMO - BBCA-ONLUS, ITALY; PATERSON, IAIN - RHODES UNIVERSITY

Submitted to: International Symposium on Biological Control of Weeds
Publication Type: Proceedings
Publication Acceptance Date: 8/21/2018
Publication Date: 1/15/2019
Citation: Goolsby, J., Cristofaro, M., Paterson, I. 2019. Suitability of grasses as targets for biological control. International Symposium on Biological Control of Weeds. p. 301.

Interpretive Summary: Grasses have been traditionally considered poor targets for classical biological control because it was thought they lacked host specific natural enemies in their native range that could be evaluated as biological control agents and that economic grasses such as corn and wheat would be put at risk. However, recent successes, particularly with the invasive reed grass, Arundo donax L., also known as carrizo cane or giant reed, suggest that this traditional view should be changed. The challenges and opportunities for grass biological control were discussed at this international gathering of scientists working on biological control of weeds, and the participants generally agreed that the prospects for controlling a number of very damaging invasive grasses are good. There are a number of new projects worldwide against grass targets, and although these projects are in the early stages, some promising natural enemies have been discovered. Many of the natural enemies of grasses have also been found to be highly host specific, which means they are safe for release because they only feed and develop on one plant species. Including genetic analyses or DNA fingerprinting of both the target plants and biological control insects was recommended for the best success rate. If realistic goals are set, many invasive grass species could be successfully controlled using biological control. Biological control of invasive grasses could produce significant environmental and agricultural benefits if implemented worldwide.

Technical Abstract: Grasses have been traditionally considered poor targets for classical biological control because it was thought they lacked host specific natural enemies in their native range that could be evaluated as biological control agents and that economic grasses such as corn and wheat would be put at risk. However, recent successes, particularly with the invasive reed grass, Arundo donax L., also known as carrizo cane or giant reed, suggest that this traditional view should be changed. The challenges and opportunities for grass biological control were discussed, and the participants generally agreed that the prospects for controlling a number of very damaging invasive grasses are good. There are a number of new projects against grass targets, and although these projects are in the early stages, some promising natural enemies have been discovered. Many of the natural enemies of grasses have also been found to be highly host specific, even at the intraspecific level, so including genetic analyses of both the target plants and agents are to be important for success. If realistic goals are set, many invasive grass species could be successfully controlled using biological control. Biological control of invasive grasses could produce significant ecological and economic benefits if implemented worldwide.