Abstract:
The worldwide homogenization of genetic resources used in plantation forestry (primarily Pinus, Eucalypus, Populus
and Acacia spp.) together with accelerating rates of human-aided dispersal of exotic pests, is resulting in plantation
pests becoming broadly distributed extremely quickly, sometimes reaching a global distribution within a decade.
This unprecedented rate of establishment and spread means that the risk associated with new and emerging pests is
shared globally. Biological control represents a major component of the strategy to mitigate such risk, but the
current efforts and scope for developing such controls are woefully inadequate for dealing with the increasing rates of
pest spread. Given the global nature of the problem, biological control would benefit enormously from an
international, collaborative focus. Though inherent difficulties and potential pitfalls exist, opportunities for costsharing,
growth and maintenance of resources and capacity, and more comprehensive research programmes are
critical to the long-term success of biological control. Governments and industries will need to increase their strategic
investment in structures specifically designed to promote such focus if they are to successfully protect their forest
resources.
