Risk Assessment and Mitigation in Biological Invasion Management of Agricultural Pests: A comprehensive synopsis

Agriculture and forestry are crucial to the economies of many countries around the world; however, both sectors face a significant crossroads. The ongoing issue of pests remains one of the main challenges to productivity in these sectors in the 21st century. Endemic (naturalised) species continue to cause yield losses estimated at 40-100%, depending on the pest species, the affected host, and environmental conditions. In recent decades, there have been both deliberate (such as biocontrol agents, game animals, or landscape plants) and accidental introductions (such as seed contaminated with seed-borne species, especially pathogenic organisms). This has been linked to the rise in global trade and international travel. In some countries, particularly those in sub-Saharan Africa, additional factors include poor border biosecurity, a lack of information on impending invasions, and limited capacity to prevent or manage imminent invasions. Notable global invasions include the red imported fire ant (Solenopsis invicta), which has spread from its native South America to North America, Asia, and Oceania, causing losses estimated in billions of United States Dollars. This species has significantly impacted agriculture, forestry and infrastructure. In crop production, the notable ones include the spotted-wing drosophila (Drosophila suzukii), a highly destructive pest native to Asia, that has rapidly invaded North America and Europe since 2008, causing massive losses in soft-skinned fruits especially berries, cherries, and grapes; the fall armyworm (Spodoptera frugiperda), tomato leaf miner (Phthorimaea absoluta) both of which have impacted maize and tomato production respectively in sub-Saharana Africa, and Panama wilt caused by the strain of Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. cubense referred to as Tropical Race 4. In forestry, the most recognisable is the pine wood nematode or pine wilt nematode (Bursaphelenchus xylophilus). Besides their effects in the terrestrial environment, the effects of non-native species that have presented significant impacts on the aquatic environments have also been reported. These include weeds such as Water hyacinth (Eichhornia crassipes), giant salvinia, or Kariba weed (Salvinia molesta); fish such as the Asian carp native to Eurasia but have become invasive in North America, and pests affecting fish such as the Salmon fluke (Gyrodactylus salaris).The loses attributed to non-native invasive species are due to loss of yields, quality of produce, increased management costs, loss of trading opportunities especially if some of the species are declared quarantine in some geographical jurisdictions. The InvaCost database has documented the monetised impacts of invasive alien species worldwide. While management practices are established for naturalised species through asset-based management as described through the pest invasion process, the most cost-effective management option for invasive species preventing their introduction into new geographical/political regions. However, if prevention is not possible, then it is essential to develop and early detection and rapid response system which can be invoked at the earliest when an incursion is reported. This key to eradication or containment of the species which could be followed by eradication or management to avoid further spread. The objective is to prevent the introduction, eradication, or containment of introduced species. This is possible through horizon scanning followed by rapid risk assessment to prioritise the most critical species. Pest risk analysis of the prioritised species to guide on import requirements aimed at stopping introduction and spread. Contingency and response plans to guide on response needs when the incursion has been reported particularly the stakeholders required, the resources in terms of financial, expertise and infrastructure needs and the management approaches that may support eradication or limit further spread of the species.In this Research Topic, we welcome studies on the following subtopics, but not limited to:• Prioritisation of non-native species through Rapid risk assessment• Pest risk analysis of emerging pests• Contingency and response plans of emerging pests• Sanitary and Phytosanitary risks associated with invasive pests• Nature-based solutions as opportunities for invasive species management Topic editors: Joseph Mulema, Edward Onkendi Source: https://www.frontiersin.org/research-topics/76853/risk-assessment-and-mitigation-in-biological-invasion-management-of-agricultural-pests-a-comprehensive-synopsis