Trends and prospects for biological control of weeds in South Africa

Several recent developments have had a substantial influence on the course of biological weed control in South Africa. The transformations have mostly been beneficial and include: (i) improved international cooperation, (ii) increased access to the biodiversity of countries of origin of plant invade rs, and (iii) substantial financial sup port from the 'Working for Water' P rogramme, which was launched in 1996 by the Department of Water Affairs and Forestry. On the negative side, stringent environmental impact requirement s and unnecessary bureaucratic delays in approving promising natural enemie s for release have stifled progress in combating some of the most pressing environmental problems in South Africa. New trends in research aim to addre ss changing needs and include: (i) improved understanding of insect-plant i nterrelationships and the determinants of host specificity of natural enemi es, (ii) a shift in emphasis towards integrated weed management, (iii) faci litating the implementation of biological control, and (iv) the development of mycoherbicides.