Biological Control of Cactaceae in South Africa

Paterson, Iain D.; Hoffmann, J. H.; Klein, Hildegard; Mathenge, Catherine W; Neser, S.; Zimmermann, H. G.

doi:10.4001/003.019.0221

Cited by 93 publications

(48 citation statements)

References 34 publications

(49 reference statements)

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“…Furthermore, the cochineal attack induced a marked decline in the plant's sexual reproduction, since the outer cladodes of newly infested prickly pears were the first to collapse, leaving mainly lignified stems or old cladodes without fruit production (V. Deltoro, unpublished data). Similar results from South Africa were described by Paterson et al (2011) for O. stricta infested with D. opuntiae.…”

Section: Introductionsupporting

confidence: 89%

Weed biological control in the European Union: from serendipity to strategy

et al. 2017

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Section: Introductionsupporting

confidence: 89%

Weed biological control in the European Union: from serendipity to strategy

et al. 2017

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“…This genotype showed a strong preference for O. stricta Volchansky et al 1999). Its release in the KNP has resulted in a drop in the biomass of around 35 O. stricta cladodes/m 2 to under 5 cladodes/m 2 (Paterson et al 2011) and negated the need for physical and/or chemical control.…”

Section: Management Optionsmentioning

confidence: 98%

Distribution and socio-ecological impacts of the invasive alien cactus Opuntia stricta in eastern Africa

et al. 2017

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Many cactus species have been introduced around the world and have subsequently become major invaders, inducing social and ecological costs. We recorded the distribution of Opuntia stricta in eastern Africa, and conducted 200 household interviews using semi-structured questionnaires to assess local perceptions of O. stricta in Laikipia County, Kenya. Opuntia stricta was widespread and abundant in parts of Kenya, Tanzania and Ethiopia and present at low densities in Uganda. In Laikipia County, pastoralists identified that O. stricta had been present for more than 10 years, and were of the opinion that it was still spreading and increasing in density. Twothirds of respondents estimated that 50-75% of valuable grazing land had been invaded, and all felt that it contributed to the ill-health and death of livestock. Other negative impacts included reductions in native plant populations, rangeland condition, human health, and mobility of humans and animals. These negative impacts resulted in economic losses of US$ 500-1000 per household per year for 48% of households. Only 20% of respondents reported actively managing O. stricta, yet all respondents believed a reduction in the abundance of this weed would improve well-being. Management interventions are needed to reduce negative impacts.

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“…Opuntia species were already causing economic problems to South African farmers (Paterson et al 2011). The identity of those species remains unclear owing to taxonomic and nomenclatural uncertainty and species misidentification that is still prevalent in the family (Annecke and Moran 1978).…”

Section: Management Implicationsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Soft Touch or Heavy Hand? Legislative Approaches for Preventing Invasions: Insights from Cacti in South Africa

Novoa

Kaplan

Kumschick

et al. 2015

Invasive plant sci. manag.

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The rate of transportation, introduction, dissemination, and spread of nonnative species is increasing despite growing global awareness of the extent and impact of biological invasions. Effective policies are needed to prevent an increase in the significant negative environmental and economic impacts caused by invasive species. Here we explore this issue in the context of the history of invasion and subsequent regulation of cacti introduced to South Africa. We consider seven approaches to restricting trade by banning the following: (1) species already invasive in the region, (2) species invasive anywhere in the world, (3) species invasive anywhere in the world with a climate similar to the target region, (4) genera containing invasive species, (5) growth forms associated with invasiveness, (6) cacti with seed characteristics associated with invasiveness, and (7) the whole family. We evaluate each approach on the basis of the availability and complexity of information required for implementation, including the cost of the research needed to acquire such information, the likely numbers of false positives and false negatives, the likely degree of public acceptance, and the costs of implementation. Following a consultative process, we provide recommendations for how to regulate nonnative cacti in South Africa. The simplest option would be to ban all cacti, but available evidence suggests that most species pose negligible risk of becoming invasive, making this option unreasonable. The other extreme-reactively regulating species once they are invasive-would incur significant control costs, likely result in significant environmental and economic impacts, and limit management goals (e.g., eradication might be unfeasible). We recommended an intermediate option-the banning of all genera containing invasive species. This recommendation has been partly incorporated in South African regulations. Our study emphasizes the importance of scientific research, a legal framework, and participation of stakeholders in assessments. This approach builds awareness, trust, and support, and ensures that all interests are reflected in final regulations, making them easier to implement and enforce.

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Biological Control of Cactaceae in South Africa

Cited by 93 publications

References 34 publications

Weed biological control in the European Union: from serendipity to strategy

Weed biological control in the European Union: from serendipity to strategy

Distribution and socio-ecological impacts of the invasive alien cactus Opuntia stricta in eastern Africa

Soft Touch or Heavy Hand? Legislative Approaches for Preventing Invasions: Insights from Cacti in South Africa

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