Is host-specificity of weed biological control agents likely to evolve rapidly following establishment?
Island and Ocean Ecosystems
Available Online
Edwards, O.R.
,
Klinken, R.D.
2002
Over 352 herbivores have now been intentionally introduced into new regions as weed biological control agents. Recent evidence shows that rapid and significant evolution in host specificity can occur. The risk of non target use by biological control agents increasing to unacceptable levels through rapid evolution therefore needs to be considered.