Biological control of Rumex species in Europe: opportunities and constraints

摘要

The increasing problems caused by dock infestations (especially Rumex obtusifolius L., R. crispus L., and R. longifolius DC.) to organic agriculture in Great Britain, Norway and Switzerland are discussed. Inadequate, costly, or time-consuming non-chemical control options for Rumex are among the major barriers for farmers converting to organic production. Potential biological control agents for Rumex in Europe are discussed. We conclude that the chrysomelid beetle Gastrophysa viridula Degeer and the rust fungus Uromyces rumicis (Schum.) Wint. remain the most promising of the researched indigenous species and that G. viridula can be combined with other non-chemical control methods. However, there is a need for biological control agents that target dock roots; we suggest that Pyropteron chrysidiformis (Esper), one of several sesiid moth species present in Europe which attack dock roots, has good potential for Rumex spp. biological control and merits further study within Europe.