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Predictability of pathogen host range in classical biological control of weeds: an update

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Abstract

Before an exotic pathogen can be released as a classical biological control agent the likely positive and negative outcomes of that introduction must be predicted. Host range testing is used to assess potential damage to non-target plants. To-date 28 species of fungi have been released as classical biological control agents against weeds world-wide. These pathogens have been reported infecting only six non-target plant species outdoors and all of these incidents were predicted. Many more non-target plant species developed disease symptoms in glasshouse tests than in the field. Consequently, data from other sources are needed to ensure potential agents are not prematurely rejected. Predictions of pathogen host range to date have been sufficiently accurate to prevent unpleasant surprises. Exotic pathogens are a safe and useful tool for weed control, especially in natural areas rich in valued non-target species.

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Acknowledgments

My attendance at the Biological Control for Nature Conference was made possible by financial assistance from: the conference organisers (Honorarium), the New Zealand Biosecurity Institute (Travel Award), and the Royal Society of New Zealand (Charles Fleming Fund Travel Award). I am very grateful to the researchers who responded to my requests for information, and especially to the following people who generously allowed me to share unpublished information through quoting them in a ‘personal communication’: W. L. Bruckart, USDA, USA; M. Day, Biosecurity Queensland, Australia; C. Ellison, CABI Bioscience, UK; K. J. Evans, Tasmanian Institute of Agricultural Research, Australia; J. Hoffman, University of Cape Town, South Africa; K. Kurika, National Agricultural Research Institute, PNG; T. McCluggage, Department of Conservation, New Zealand; L. Morin, CSIRO Entomology, Australia; M. J. Morris, Microbial Products, South Africa; M. K. Seier, CABI Bioscience, UK; S. S. Tzean, National Taiwan University, Taiwan; A. R. Wood, Plant Protection Research Institute, South Africa. L. Morin and one anonymous reviewer are thanked for their comments on the manuscript.

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    Jane Barton

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Barton, J. Predictability of pathogen host range in classical biological control of weeds: an update. BioControl 57, 289–305 (2012). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10526-011-9401-7

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