DIAZ

Question 1

What are the steps in classical biological control from selection of target weed to technology transferring?

Answer 1

1 – Select target weed;
2 – Survey/research in native range;
3 – Quarantine;
4 – Field releases/establishment
5 – Technology transfer;

Question 2

How does the centrifugal phylogenetic method work for host range testing?

Answer 2

There is a test plant list with close related native species; economic importance; and threatened or endangered species.

• Other species in the same genus;
• Other species in the same family;
• Other tribes same family;
• Other families;
• Plants of economic importance;

Question 3

Discuss the changes in the safety of biological control overtime.

Answer 3

Early practitioners were not professionals. Many had personal interests. Early efforts were strict economic. Later, efforts to protect native species or ecosystems. Large changes in knowledge from the 19th century.

Question 4

What was the attitude towards pest between 1800-1920?

Answer 4

No concern about the effects of introduced predators in native wildlife. Plants were all considered beneficial and insect that fed on plants were all considered pests.

Question 5

Give two examples of mistakes made on biological control in the past.

Answer 5

Mongoose in the Caribbean for rats in sugarcane. Mongoose fed on other animals as well, such as small birds, lizards, snakes, and toads. Species were driven to extinction. Sugar-cane toad in Australia for gray-backed grub in sugarcane. Big problem with toxin. Naïve predators ate them and no impact on the beetle.

Question 6

Which fact marked the beginning of the scientific biological control era?

Answer 6

Vedalia beetle and coccinellid insanity. Citrus growers contacted the government agency for help rather than taking their own actions.

Question 7

What happened in the US after the introduction of brown-tailed and gypsy moth from Europe?

Answer 7

Non-target attack to native silkworm. Provided only partial control of gypsy moth.

Question 8

Briefly discuss the mistakes of earlier science in biological control (1920-1970).

Answer 8

Native plants were still not considered important and there was a big push for biological control as a green technology.

Question 9

What are the 3 perspectives from 1970-1990?

Answer 9

At the beginning, biological control seen as green technology. At the end, negative impact of pesticides was well understood and several measures were being implemented. More emphasis on non-target attacks of biological control agents.

Question 10

How non-target impacts have changed?

Answer 10

Increased concerns about non-target impact on native plants and native insects.

Question 11

What efforts can be targeted to understand indirect effects?

Answer 11

Any introduction of a species will create an indirect effect in the ecosystem. The potential for a negative effect should not stop the introduction of agents needed for managing invasive species. We need to measure more than use of non-target, need more impact (population, depression, or range reduction) measurement.

Question 12

Why do we need classical biological control?

Answer 12

We cannot rely on insecticides or herbicides for managing exotic pests. Increased reliance on pesticides is not desirable. Most harmful pesticides are gone, but problems remain.

Question 13

Most of the public is afraid of biological control. How can we make a difference?

Answer 13

Adequate risk assessment including host specificity and non-target attack. Emphasizing the ecological objectives of the program and including the public and stakeholders in the process.