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30th June 2005 Introduction and spread of invasive species The latest publication from BCPC considers the serious impact that some introduced species have on the economy and ecology of a region. Entitled Plant Protection and Plant Health in Europe: Introduction and Spread of Invasive Species, this 296-page book is a full record of the papers and posters presented at the three-day Symposium jointly organised by BCPC and the Deutsche Phytomedizinische Gesellschaft that was held at Humboldt University, Berlin, Germany on 9 – 11 June 2005. "Many examples exist of species which have transferred from their natural range and are now successfully established in a new region," explained Dr Stephen Hunter, Defra in his introductory address at the Symposium. "Inherently there are risks associated with material becoming invasive or being a vector for invasive pests and pathogens and commercial trade must be implicated as one of the main pathways for introduction." "The risks of invasive species are such that Governments cannot afford to stand idly by. The pressure for global development and trade means that banning the movement of plant material would not be acceptable but the introduction of international processes for analysing the risks and determining management actions is a step in the right direction. The debate is just getting underway and we are only now formulating some of the issues which must be resolved before there is a consensus on a way forward," said Dr Hunter. With invasive species now regarded as the second largest reason for biodiversity loss world-wide, this Symposium considered a range of species regarded as invasive from the Asiatic longhorn beetle (Anoplophora glabripennis), which has recently gained foothold in Europe to the well-known aggressive neophytes such as giant hogweed (Heracleum mantegazzianum) and Japanese knotweed (Reynoutria japonica). The ecological risks that invasive species pose, how they can be detected at an early stage and what monitoring and information exchange systems can be put in place, were also highlighted. The Symposium included papers presented by speakers from countries around the world. It began with an examination of trade as a pathway for introducing and spreading alien species. Discussion followed on risk assessment and the regulatory framework for control and then looked at monitoring techniques. Alongside the sessions a series of workshops considered the effect of climate change on invasive species and detailed a case study of the western corn rootworm (Diabrotica virgifera virgifera)and the current and future impact of trade with European countries. The oral presentations were supported by a number of Poster Papers. In the future, official phytosanitary regulations, inspection and alert systems should help to protect against the negative impacts of alien species. The Imports Directive 2002/89/EC, which came into effect in January 2005, unifies the approach that EC Member States must take to exclude alien pests and diseases. The aim is to increase the effort to prevent introduction rather than eradicate and contain them once they have entered the EU New Member States. Copies of Introduction and Spread of Invasive Species cost £35, and can be ordered from BCPC Publications Sales, 7 Omni Business Centre, Omega Park, Alton, Hampshire, GU34 2QD, UK. Tel: +44 (0)1420 593 200, Fax: +44 (0)1420 593 209 Email: publications@bcpc.org or place orders online at www.bcpcbookshop.co.uk |
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