Biological control of tropical weeds using arthropods

Weeds are a major constraint to agricultural production, particularly in the developing world. Cost-efficient biological control is a self-sustaining way to reduce this problem, and produces fewer non-target effects than chemical methods, which can cause serious damage to the environment. This book covers the origin, distribution, and ecology of twenty model invasive weed species, which occur in habitats from tropical to temperate to aquatic. Sustainable biological control of each weed using one or more arthropods is discussed. The aim is to provide ecological management models for use across the tropical world, and to assist in the assessment of potential risks to native and economic plants. This is a valuable resource for scientists and policy makers concerned with the biological control of invasive tropical plants. Each chapter focuses on one particular invasive plant, giving a full overview of the exploration, screening, introduction and establishment of its natural enemies in the tropics. The natural enemies described are transferable to other countries and regions suffering the same invasive plant problem. Unique in considering the biological control of weeds using arthropods in the context of environmental sustainability.

1. Biological control of weeds in the tropics and sustainability R. Muniappan, G. V. P. Reddy and A. Raman, 2. Acacia nilotica ssp. Indica (L.) Willd. ex Del. (Mimosaceae) K. Dhileepan, 3. Australian Acacia species (Mimosaceae) in South Africa F. Impson, J. H. Hoffmann and C. Kleinjan, 4. Ageratina adenophora (Sprengel) R. King and H. Robinson (Asteraceae) R. Muniappan, A. Raman and G. V. P. Reddy, 5. Azolla filiculoides Lamarck (Nostocaceae) M. P. Hill and A. J. McConnachie, 6. Cabomba caroliniana Gray (Cabombaceae) S. Schooler, W. Cabrera-Walsh and M. H. Julien, 7. Invasive cactus species (Cactaceae) H. Zimmermann, C. Moran and J. H. Hoffmann, 8. Chromolaena odorata (L.) King and Robinson (Asteraceae) C. Zachariades, M. Day, R. Muniappan and G. V. P. Reddy, 9. Clidemia hirta (L.) D. Don (Melastomataceae) P. Conant, 10. Coccinia grandis (L.) Voigt (Cucurbitaceae) R. Muniappan, G. V. P. Reddy and A. Raman, 11. Eichhornia crassipes (Mart.) Solms-Laub. (Pontederiaceae) J. A. Coetzee, M. P. Hill, M. H. Julien, T. D. Center and H. A. Cordo, 12. Lantana camara Linn. (Verbenaceae) M. D. Day and M. P. Zalucki, 13. Mimosa diplotricha C. Wright ex Sauvalle (Mimosaceae) L. S. Kuniata, 14. Mimosa pigra L. (Leguminosae) T. A. Heard and Q. Paynter, 15. Parthenium hysterophorus L. (Asteraceae) K. Dhileepan and L. Strathie, 16. Passiflora mollissima (HBK) Bailey (Passifloraceae) G. P. Markin, 17. Pistia stratiotes L. (Araceae) P. Neuenschwander, M. H. Julien, T. D. Center and M. P. Hill, 18. Prosopis species (Leguminosae) R. D. van Klinken, J. H. Hoffmann, H. G. Zimmermann and A. P. Roberts, 19. Salvinia molesta D. S. Mitchell (Salviniaceae) M. H. Julien, M. P. Hill and P. W. Tipping, 20. Solanum mauritianum Scopoli (Solanaceae) T. Olckers, 21. Application of natural antagonists including arthropods to resist weedy Striga (Scrophulariaceae) in tropical agroecosystems J. Sauerborn , 22. Biological control of weeds in India J. Rabindra and B. S. Bhumannavar, 23. The role of International Institute of Tropical Agriculture in weed biological control F. Beed and T. Dubois, 24. The role of Secretariat of the Pacific Community in the biological control of weeds in the Pacific Islands region: past, present and future activities W. Orapa, Index.