Biological Control of Weeds: Is it Safe?

Carey Minteer, Eutychus Kariuki, and James Cuda

Release Date: 12/2/2021

Reviewed At: 1/22/2025

DOI: 10.32473/edis-in1342-2021

Natural Resources

Abstract

Invasive plants are non-native plant species that cause harm in their introduced range. Classical biological control of invasive plants is the use of natural enemies, imported insects and mites or pathogens, to control the target plants. This publication explains the strategies and rules in place to ensure that organisms released for the biological control of weeds are safe and effective.

About this Publication

This document is ENY2072, one of a series of the Department of Entomology and Nematology, UF/IFAS Extension. Original publication date December 2021. Visit the EDIS website at https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu for the currently supported version of this publication.

About the Authors

Carey Minteer, assistant professor; Eutychus Kariuki, post-doctoral researcher; Department of Entomology and Nematology, UF/IFAS Indian River Research and Education Center; and James Cuda, emeritus professor, Department of Entomology and Nematology; UF/IFAS Extension, Gainesville, FL 32611.

How to Cite

Minteer, C., Kariuki, E., & Cuda, J. P. (2021). Biological Control of Weeds: Is it Safe? EDIS, 2021(6). https://doi.org/10.32473/edis-in1342-2021

Authors

Carey Minteer

Contact

Specialist

University of Florida

associate professor, weed biological control, Department of Entomology and Nematology, UF/IFAS Indian River Research and Education Center, Fort Pierce, FL

View Carey Minteer's Profile