Biological Control Of Invasive Plants In The Eastern United States

Undesirable invasive plants are infesting public and private lands in this country at an alarming rate. These nonnative species destroy native habitats, threaten endangered plants and animals, interfere with recreation and transportation, and cause economic losses as land values and productivity decline. Various methods are used to suppress invasive plants, from herbicides to burning to cultivation. Classic biological control--in which selected host-specific, plant-attacking insects, mites, nematodes, and pathogens are introduced from the invasive plant's native lands--provides an additional tool for land managers to reduce invasive plant populations. In this volume, leading experts review the discipline of biological control of invasive terrestrial and aquatic plants. Topics addressed include the ecology and economics of biological control, monitoring, non-target impacts, a Code of Best Practices, and the processes of identifying, introducing, distributing, and maintaining biological control agents. In addition to chapters on the theory and practice of biological control, this book provides information about 39 target plants in the continental United States and 94 agents, including their origin, biology, habitat, impacts, and distribution. More than 300 color photographs help identify the plants and agents. The book concludes with information about invasive plants that are targeted for biological control in the future. An invaluable reference for land managers, natural resource and weed control specialists, and students of natural resource management, Biological Control of Invasive Plants in the United States provides practical, science-based information needed for understanding andusing biological control as part of an integrated invasive-plant management strategy.

TRB's National Cooperative Highway Research Program (NCHRP) Synthesis 363: Control of Invasive Species explores the extent to which state departments of transportation are identifying actions that affect the spread of invasive species, preventing introduction, tracking status and locations of "invasives" in a timely and ongoing manner, controlling found populations, restoring invaded habitats, conducting research, and sharing lessons learned. The report documents successful practices and lessons learned. It also synthesizes the state of the practice in developing Integrated (Roadside) Vegetation Management, along with physical, chemical, biological, and cultural control mechanisms.

Biological control has long been used against invasive plants and, less often, invasive insects, in forests, aquatic systems, grasslands, coastal areas, riparian areas, islands, and other biomes or habitats of conservation concern. Historically, motivation for such efforts has shifted gradually away from economic interests toward ecological protection for its own sake. Future projects of this type will require better integration of biological control into conservation practice, a better understanding by societies of the reasons for such work and its possible risks and benefits, as well as continued, consistent public funding. Examples of successful projects in high-value conservation areas (Everglades, Gal�pagos, oceanic islands, wetlands, forests) are discussed, and future challenges and caveats mentioned. Environmentalists, nature conservationists, scientists, forestry personnel, USDA employees, and others interested in biological control would be interested in this publication. Additionally, students pursuing coursework, and research for Natural Resource Management degree programs may be interested in this work. Related products: Plants resources collection can be found here: https://bookstore.gpo.gov/catalog/plants Major Forest Insect and Disease Conditions in the United States: 2013 is available here: https://bookstore.gpo.gov/products/major-forest-insect-and-disease-conditions-united-states-2013 Forest Health Monitoring: National Status, Trends, and Analysis 2015 can be found here: https://bookstore.gpo.gov/products/forest-health-monitoring-national-status-trends-and-analysis-2015 Other products produced by the United States Department of Agriculture, U.S. Forest Service are available here: https://bookstore.gpo.gov/agency/us-forest-service

During September 19-20, 2006, a conference was held at the University of Washington Botanic Gardens, Seattle, WA, with the title S2Meeting the challenge: invasive plants in Pacific Northwest Ecosystems. S3 The mission of the conference was to create strategies and partnerships to understand and manage invasions of non-native plants in the Pacific Northwest. The audience included over 180 professionals, students, and citizens from public and private organizations responsible for monitoring, studying, or managing non-native invasive plants. This proceedings includes twenty-seven papers based on oral presentations at the conference plus a synthesis paper that summarizes workshop themes, discussions, and related information. Topics include early detection and rapid response; control techniques, biology, and impacts; management approaches; distribution and mapping of invasive plants; and partnerships, education, and outreach.