Biological Control

Biological control involves the identification and introduction of an exotic species natural control agents, usually herbivores, predators, parasites, or pathogens from its native environment. Biocontrol agents are largely unavailable now, and although projects to identify such agents are underway, it will take years to develop them (Simberloff and Stilling 1996) (SFS-Britton). This is an expensive and time-consuming process because extensive research must be conducted to ensure that the proposed control agent will not cause further problems in its new environment. Biological control, if successful, brings the exotic species into balance with its environment so that it continues to be a component of the plant community but will not dominate it. However, biological control is not always possible or practical (SAMAB 1996).