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Emerald ash borer, soybean aphid, Asian longhorned beetle, and the
Asian tiger mosquito are just a few of the newest additions to the list
of 4,500 exotic insect species that occur in the US. These
non-native insect pests threaten the health and welfare of the
nation. Asian tiger mosquito, for example, has become an
important vector during the recent invasion of West Nile virus.
Nationally, invasive insects cause $16 billion annually in lost
agricultural and silvicultural production. Consequently, exotic
pests often stimulate greater use of broad-spectrum pesticides creating
hazards for applicators, consumers, and non-target species.
Invasive insects also directly endanger biodiversity in unmanaged
ecosystems. For example, the multicolored Asian ladybeetle is
proving to be a significant predator of the monarch butterfly. As
globalization of economies and cultures continues, a greater number of
exotic insects are likely to arrive accidentally in the US. Even
more ominous is the growing possibility that exotic pests may be
intentionally delivered to the US as agents of bioterrorism.
More than ever, it is vital that research be conducted on the ecology
of exotic species with the purpose of improving our understanding of
the mechanisms that contribute to the success of some invasive species
and the failure of others. Pertinent research should also include
study of the various pathways by which exotic pests might arrive in the
US. Specific research on the fundamental processes that
contribute to invasion success will likely include investigation of
species traits that contribute to invasiveness, genetic mechanisms for
surviving the invasion process, species interactions that make some
ecosystems resilient to invasion, and ecological factors that influence
the rate and pattern of spread. Field, laboratory, greenhouse,
and/or modeling studies should be coupled with molecular biology and
spatial analysis to answer key questions. Research results will
have clear relevance to pest management, including risk assessment,
pest detection, and pest control. It is essential that
researchers collaborate extensively with state, federal, and
international regulatory agencies responsible for exotic species
management.
Entomologists are ready to drive advancements in our understanding of
the ecology and management of alien insects and arthropods.
Specific areas of research needed include:
- Better knowledge to exclude exotic pests by better prediction of
which insects may follow new and existing pathways into the US
- Promoting the development of new technologies to disinfest
imported goods of unwanted hitchhikers
- Improved detection of exotic pests by better prediction of where
exotic arthropods are likely to be introduced
- Enhanced ability to accurately forecast where new pests will
establish and when they will be active
- Better methods of exotic pest management by quickly generating
area-wide pest management options
- Fostering implementation of monitoring programs to ensure that
intervention strategies continue to be effective
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