Proceedings of the first meeting on “Harmonia axyridis and other ladybirds”

Working group "Benefits and Risks of Exotic Biological Control Agents". 2010 Proceedings of the first meeting on “Harmonia axyridis and other ladybirds”. IOBC, 209pp. (IOBC/WPRS Bulletin, v. 58).

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Abstract/Summary

The use of exotic species as biological control agents has a long history and there are many examples of success. Indeed, it was a ladybird (the Vedalia beetle, Rodolia cardinalis,introduced from Australia to California to control cottony cushion scale, Icerya purchasi, in citrus plantations) that is thought to mark the advent of modern biological control. Classical biological control success stories are undoubtedly numerous and there are very few examples where problems have occurred. Harmonia axyridis is, however, one such species. This species was introduced intentionally to a number of countries as a biological control agent of pest insects. Although H. axyridis is a success in terms of contributing to the reduction of pest numbers to below economic thresholds, it is considered both a human nuisance in the autumn, as it occupies premises in high numbers, and also a threat to native biodiversity through competition and predation. This species has spread rapidly across northern and central Europe and is now found at high abundance in many countries. Harmonia axyridis has now been recorded as established in (order relates to approximate time of establishment): France (first report), Germany, Belgium, Netherlands, Switzerland, Luxembourg, England, Czech Republic, Italy, Austria, Denmark, Norway, Poland, Wales, Liechtenstein, Scotland, Hungary, Slovakia and Bulgaria (last report). Research to quantify the extent of any negative effects is essential, and collaborative effort is necessary to further understanding of this conspicuous invader. In recognition of this, the IOBC/WPRS (International Organization for Biological Control/ Western Palaearctic Regional Section) Study Group “Benefits and Risks of Exotic Biological Control Agents” was established to encourage collaborations on this species and other exotic biological control agents. This study group is not only a forum for those with an interest in biological control but also offers an opportunity to contribute to understanding of invasive species ecology. The movement of species around the globe has been occurring at a staggering rate in recent decades. Many non-native species are considered to be exquisite additions in their new locality but approximately one percent of new arrivals are considered to pose an unacceptable risk to biodiversity and termed “invasive non-native (=alien) species”. Harmonia axyridis is widely accepted to be an invasive non-native species and as such provides a model system for invasion biologists. The first dedicated meeting of this Study Group was held in the beautiful location of Engelberg, Switzerland in September 2009. This four day meeting was a unique opportunity for scientists to gather, share their findings, predictions and future directions on this species and other invasive non-native ladybirds. The collaborative spirit of this IOBC/WPRS Study Group ensures an excellent forum for unravelling the dynamics of Harmonia axyridis and other exotic biological control agents. Helen Roy – Convenor IOBC working group “Benefits and Risks of Exotic Biological Control Agents”

Item Type:	Publication - Book
Programmes:	CEH Topics & Objectives 2009 - 2012 > Biodiversity > BD Topic 1 - Observations, Patterns, and Predictions for Biodiversity > BD - 1.2 - Data collection systems to record and assess changes ... CEH Topics & Objectives 2009 - 2012 > Biodiversity > BD Topic 2 - Ecological Processes in the Environment > BD - 2.2 - Quantify the impact of invasive species, pathogens ...
UKCEH and CEH Sections/Science Areas:	Pywell
ISBN:	9789290672326
NORA Subject Terms:	Zoology Ecology and Environment
Date made live:	16 Nov 2010 14:28 +0 (UTC)
URI:	https://nora.nerc.ac.uk/id/eprint/11958

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