W12: Biocontrol (Steps In Weed Biocontrol Programme) [Dr. Nic] Flashcards
1
Q
Stages in a Classical biocontrol programme? (7)
A
- Target weed selection (choose 1).
- Control agent selection (foreign exploration).
- Import agents into quarantine.
- Confirm agents’ safety (host-specificity tests).
- Application for permission to release.
- Release new agents.
- Post-release redistribution & evaluation.
2
Q
Processes in Step 1? (5)
A
- Quantify weed’s impact.
- Resolve conflicts of interest.
- Determine the origin of the weed.
- Biology of the weed.
- Pre-introductory survey of the weed in SA.
3
Q
What do you mean by “Quantify weed’s impact”? (2)
A
Determine the:
- Extent of invasion.
- Costs of invasion.
4
Q
What do you mean by “Resolve conflicts of interest”? (4)
A
- South Africa’s worst invaders have economic importance.
- Consider benefits vs costs of invasive species.
- Public participation.
- Decide on strategy (eg, containment).
5
Q
What do you mean by “Biology of the weed”? (2)
A
Determine:
- What makes the weed invasive.
- If biocontrol is likely to be effective.
6
Q
Egs of Step 1? (3)
A
- Prickly pear.
- Pompom weeds.
- Black wattle.
7
Q
Processes in Step 2?
A
- Survey for natural enemies in the region of origin.
- Maintenance of collected insects.
8
Q
Processes in Step 4? (5)
A
- Determine the taxonomy of the candidate agent (taxonomists).
- Conduct a literature search on the biocontrol candidate.
- Determine the biology of the natural enemy.
- Host-specificity trials in quarantine (choice & no-choice trials).
- Conduct host-specificity trials on the natural enemy in quarantine.
9
Q
Processes in Step 5? (3)
A
- If the natural enemy is host-specific, obtain permission for its release from:
- Dept. of Agriculture.
- Dept. of Forestry, Fisheries & Environment.
10
Q
Processes in Step 6? (2)
A
- Mass rear biological agents.
- Release the biological control agents on the target plant (BCI officers).
11
Q
Step 7 process?
A
Determine guidelines for the long-term management of the weed.
