Author
Samalesu Guelor Mayonde
samalesu.mayonde@mandela.ac.za
Nelson Mandela University
Gqeberha
Coauthors
Jorge Leidi, USDA-ARS IPRL, Fort Lauderdale, FL
Allen Dray, USDA-ARS IPRL, Fort Lauderdale, FL
Dale Halbritter, USDA-ARS IPRL, Fort Lauderdale, FL
Abstract
The success of weed biocontrol programme relies on a meticulous host-specificity testing showing strong association between the invasive species and the biocontrol agent with no non-target effect. Biological control of weeds has been practiced in South Africa to curtail the impacts their impacts on the environment for more than a century. Molecular genetics has critically been used as one of the tools to enhance the success of weed biocontrol in South Africa. The use of molecular genetics in weed biocontrol enhances accurate weed identification, guides the selection and testing of safe and effective biocontrol agents, and improves monitoring of control outcomes. This systematic review analyses the use of molecular genetic tools in weed biocontrol in South Africa over three decades (i.e., from 1990 – 2021). Preliminary assessments have shown an improvement in biocontrol programme implementation linked to the use of molecular genetic tools.
keywords
DNA analysis
Non-target effects
Success rate
Pre-release evaluation
Post-release monitoring
Highlights
Molecular genetics have improved taxonomic identification of both the weeds and agents
The use of genetic tools improves agent selection
Molecular genetic analysis improved cost and time for biocontrol programmes