How to better predict long-term benefits and risks in weed biocontrol: an evolutionary perspective

Abstract

Classical biological control (also called importation biological control) of weeds has a remarkable track record for efficiency and safety, but further improvement is still needed, particularly to account for potential evolutionary changes after release. Here, we discuss the increasing yet limited evidence of post-introduction evolution and describe approaches to predict evolutionary change. Recent advances include using experimental evolution studies over several generations that combine -omics tools with behavioral bioassays. This novel approach in weed biocontrol is well suited to explore the potential for rapid evolutionary change in real-time and thus can be used to estimate more accurately potential benefits and risks of agents before their importation. We outline this approach with a chrysomelid beetle used to control invasive common ragweed.