Author
M.A. Rafter
michelle.rafter@csiro.au
Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO), Ecosciences Precinct, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
Abstract
Weed biological control represents one of the largest human mediated experiments in translocating arthropods and fungi into novel environments for sustainable weed management. Since its emergence at the turn of the 20th century, the discipline has achieved notable successes and learned important lessons from past challenges. Researchers have built a strong track record of critically evaluating both successful and less successful programs, integrating these insights into the theoretical foundations of the field to improve the safety, efficiency, and effectiveness of weed control interventions. While the historical legacy of the discipline is well established, sustaining investment in research and practice over the coming century will require confronting emerging challenges, including climate change, shifting risk tolerance among regulatory authorities, evolving international frameworks, and integration with new technologies. This keynote will explore key conceptual and practical considerations across the biological control research pipeline that could help advance the discipline.
Keywords
weed biocontrol research pipeline
prioritisation
ecological theory
risk assessment
Highlights
Explore key conceptual and practical considerations across the biological control research pipeline.
Confronting emerging challenges, including climate change, shifting risk tolerance and, integration with new technologies.
Continued integration of emerging insights into the theoretical foundations of the field to maintain the safety, efficiency, and effectiveness of weed control interventions.