Overview and Future Direction of Biological Control Technology

• Published in: Journal of aquatic plant management 1998-01, Vol.36, p.49-53
• Main Author: Cofrancesco, AF Jr
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Alternanthera philoxeroides; Eichhornia crassipes; Hydrilla verticillata; Melaleuca quinquenervia; Myriophyllum spicatum; Pistia stratiotes
• ISSN: 0146-6623

The Corps of Engineers (CE) biological control technology area had its beginnings in 1959 when the CE and the U.S. Department of Agriculture began a cooperative research effort. Since then, numerous insects and pathogens have been studied as potential agents for the management of target plant populations. Researchers have traveled to the countries of origin of six target plants (Eichhornia crassipes Mart. (Solms), Alternanthera philoxeroides (Mart.) Griseb., Myriophyllum spicatum L., Pistia stratiotes L., Hydrilla verticillata (L. F.) Royle, and Melaleuca quinquenervia (Cav.) S. T. Blake) to search for host specific agents. As a result, 13 insect biocontrol agents have been released as management tools lot five of these targets. On average these projects have developed one agent every 2.9 years. The CE also has conducted pathogen biological control research using endemic pathogens. More recently the CE has begun classical biocontrol studies using exotic pathogens as potential agents of aquatic plants. Research in the near future will be directed at the management of submersed aquatic vegetation. The past successes will be used to assist in directing the program, however, new emphasis will be placed on the development of more effective evaluation procedures to document impact of the biological control agents.