Weed biological control in the Greater Mekong Subregion: status and opportunities for the future

Abstract

Twenty biological control agents targeting nine weed species have been introduced into the six countries of the Greater Mekong Subregion. Thirteen of these agents have established and another nine have arrived unintentionally. These agents are having some impact on their target weeds. However, another 38 weeds occurring in the region have been targeted for biological control elsewhere presenting a tremendous opportunity to expand weed biological control in the region and reduce the dependency on herbicides while increasing productivity. Highly effective biological control agents are available for introduction and could assist with the management of the region's most important weeds, such as water lettuce, salvinia, Siam weed and mikania. There is also scope to increase the capacity and training in biological control to develop effective weed control and management.