Biological Control of Invasive Plant Species
Summary
Biological control employs natural enemies—herbivores, pathogens or predators—to regulate invasive plant populations while minimising chemical and mechanical interventions. Classical biological control involves the introduction of co-evolved organisms from a plant’s native range into invaded ecosystems, following rigorous host-range testing to ensure non-target safety. This strategy has been applied to woody shrubs such as Brazilian peppertree (Schinus terebinthifolius), perennial grasses like cogongrass (Imperata cylindrica) and other problematic species. Recent advances in molecular ecology, mass-rearing technology and phylogeographic analysis have improved agent selection, while integrated management approaches combine biocontrol with habitat restoration and stakeholder engagement to enhance long-term suppression and ecosystem recovery.
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Biological Control of Invasive Plant Species publication trend
The graph below shows the total number of articles in biological control of invasive plant species across all publications each year (not limited to Nature Index journals).
Technical terms
Classical biological control: Introduction of co-evolved natural enemies from a plant’s native range to suppress its invasive populations.
Host specificity: Extent to which a control agent feeds on or infects only the intended target species, reducing non-target risk.
Mass rearing: Controlled propagation of a biological control agent at scale to supply sufficient individuals for field releases.
Phylogeography: Analysis of genetic lineages across geographic regions to identify introduction pathways and guide agent selection.
References
- Advances in Mass Rearing Pseudophilothrips ichini (Hood) (Thysanoptera: Phlaeothripidae), a Biological Control Agent for Brazilian Peppertree in Florida. Insects (2021).
- Uncovering the phylogeography of Schinus terebinthifolia in South Africa to guide biological control. AoB Plants (2021).
- Potential Biological Control Agents for Management of Cogongrass (Cyperales: Poaceae) in the Southeastern USA. Florida Entomologist (2016).
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