TY - JOUR
T1 - Are exotic natural enemies an effective way of controlling invasive plants?
AU - Thomas, Matthew B.
AU - Reid, Adele M.
PY - 2007/9
Y1 - 2007/9
N2 - Classical biological control (the introduction of exotic natural enemies) is often advocated as a tool for managing invasive species. Here, we review the effectiveness of biocontrol and explore the factors that determine whether it is an appropriate response to the invasive species problem. Although there have been some successes, biocontrol is generally poorly evaluated and, in many cases, its impact is unknown. In particular, there is limited understanding of the nature of the invasive species problem and no clear targets against which 'success' can be gauged. In addition, exotic natural enemies could act as invasive species in their own right. To improve the role of biocontrol in invasive species management, we need a better ecological understanding of the impacts of both the biocontrol agents and the target invasive species.
AB - Classical biological control (the introduction of exotic natural enemies) is often advocated as a tool for managing invasive species. Here, we review the effectiveness of biocontrol and explore the factors that determine whether it is an appropriate response to the invasive species problem. Although there have been some successes, biocontrol is generally poorly evaluated and, in many cases, its impact is unknown. In particular, there is limited understanding of the nature of the invasive species problem and no clear targets against which 'success' can be gauged. In addition, exotic natural enemies could act as invasive species in their own right. To improve the role of biocontrol in invasive species management, we need a better ecological understanding of the impacts of both the biocontrol agents and the target invasive species.
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U2 - 10.1016/j.tree.2007.03.003
DO - 10.1016/j.tree.2007.03.003
M3 - Article
C2 - 17363106
AN - SCOPUS:34547676258
SN - 0169-5347
VL - 22
SP - 447
EP - 453
JO - Trends in Ecology and Evolution
JF - Trends in Ecology and Evolution
IS - 9
ER -