Review of approaches to evaluate the effectiveness of weed biological control agents

摘要: We review key issues, available approaches and analyses to encourage assist practitioners develop sound plans evaluate the effectiveness of weed biological control agents at various phases throughout a program. Assessing prospective before release assists selection process, while post-release evaluation aims determine extent that are alleviating ecological, social economic impacts weeds. Information gathered on prior initiation program is necessary provide baseline data devise performance targets against which can subsequently be evaluated. Detailed populations, associated plant communities and, in some instances ecosystem processes collected representative sites introduced range several years compared with similar later assess agent effectiveness. Laboratory, glasshouse field studies typically used While for may influenced by confounding factors, manipulative experiments where excluded (or included) using chemicals or cages more robust but time-consuming expensive implement. Demographic modeling benefit–cost increasingly being complement other studies. There an obvious need investment long-term rigorously document outcomes programs.