I'd like to have information about Genetic variability in natural enemies' populations for the implications of biological control.
Hi, This is important when you want to stable a biocontrol agent in your area. The genetic variability will improve survival of your organism.
Best,
Consideration of genetic variability is important to assess the variability of their efficacy at regional level.
I agree that genetic variability is an important consideration. However, you must ask yourself the following question: at what cost ? In other words, do you have the financial resources to test it on a continuous basis ?
One must be careful in weed biocontrol not to introduce more genetic variability than what was tested in the original population source that was introduced, otherwise the possibility for non-target impacts may rear its unwanted head. Genetic variability can be a double edged sword, providing genetic stability and adaptibility in a novel environment, or the ability to evolve while invading and acquire new non-target host shifts.
Most natural enemies are species specific especially the parasotiods. Their performance is often affected by for example existence of several biotypes of a pest in one place or presence of a different biotype in another geographical location. Motsly NE takes a little longer as compared to the pests to adapt and change their feeding preferences. If its not carefully evaluated it has impaired the performance of several Biocontrol agents.
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