Pathways for accidental biocontrol: The human-mediated dispersal of insect predators and parasitoids.

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Ressource 1Download: Fenn-Moltu et al. 2024 JAE.pdf (8328.30 [Ko])
State: Public
Version: Final published version
License: CC BY-NC 4.0
Serval ID
serval:BIB_CEED79E702B2
Type
Article: article from journal or magazin.
Collection
Publications
Institution
Title
Pathways for accidental biocontrol: The human-mediated dispersal of insect predators and parasitoids.
Journal
Ecological applications
Author(s)
Fenn-Moltu G., Liebhold A.M., Weber D.C., Bertelsmeier C.
ISSN
1051-0761 (Print)
ISSN-L
1051-0761
Publication state
In Press
Peer-reviewed
Oui
Language
english
Notes
Publication types: Journal Article
Publication Status: aheadofprint
Abstract
Introductions of insect predators and parasitoids for biological control are a key method for pest management. Yet in recent decades, biological control has become more strictly regulated and less frequent. Conversely, the rate of unintentional insect introductions through human activities is rising. While accidental introductions of insect natural enemies can potentially have serious ecological consequences, they are challenging to quantify as their movements go largely unobserved. We used historical border interception records collected by the US Department of Agriculture from 1913 to 2018 to describe the diversity of entomophagous insects transported unintentionally, their main introduction pathways, and trends in host specificity. There were 35,312 interceptions of insect predators and parasitoids during this period, representing 93 families from 11 orders, and 196 species from these families. Commodity associations varied, but imported plants and plant products were the main introduction pathway. Most interceptions originated with commodities imported from the Neotropical, Panamaian, and Western Palearctic regions. Among the intercepted species, 27% were found in material originating from more than one country. Two thirds of species were polyphagous host generalists. Furthermore, 25% of species had already been introduced intentionally as biological control agents internationally, and 4.6% have documented negative impacts on native biodiversity or human society. Most of the intercepted species that have not established in the United States are host generalists or have at least one known host species available. The unintentional transport of diverse natural enemy insects has the potential to cause substantial ecological impacts, both in terms of controlling pests through accidental biocontrol and disrupting native communities. Characterizing the insects being transported and their introduction pathways can inform biosecurity practices and management.
Keywords
accidental biocontrol, border interceptions, human‐mediated dispersal, insects, introduction pathways, parasitoids, predators
Pubmed
Web of science
Open Access
Yes
Create date
11/10/2024 19:24
Last modification date
02/11/2024 7:10
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