Biological control and the reproductive mode of weeds.
Abstract
The genetic structure of agricultural plant populations has long been recognized as an important factor in their vulnerability or resistance to disease and pest attack. However, in the biological control of weedy plants, the potential significance of the population genetic structure of the target species appears to have been severely underestimated. An examination of the degree of control achieved in 81 different control attempts demonstrates a significant correlation between the degree of control achieved and the predominant mode of reproduction of the target plant; asexually reproducing species were effectively controlled significantly more often than sexually reproducing ones. Hence the genetic structure of the target species has important implications with respect to the selection of species to be controlled using biological agents. From summary