How to better predict long-term benefits and risks in weed biocontrol: an evolutionary perspective.

Classical biological control (also called importation biological control) of weeds has a remarkable track record for efficiency and safety, but further improvement is still needed, particularly to account for potential evolutionary changes after release. Here, we discuss the increasing yet limited evidence of post-introduction evolution and describe approaches to predict evolutionary change. Recent advances include using experimental evolution studies over several generations that combine -omics tools with behavioral bioassays.

Herbivory Increases Fruit Set in Silene latifolia: A Consequence of Induced Pollinator-Attracting Floral Volatiles?

Although the effect of herbivory on plant reproduction has been investigated in some detail, little is known about how herbivores affect floral signalling. Here, we investigated the effect of foliar herbivory by the African Cotton Leafworm (Spodoptera littoralis) on floral signalling and fruit set in the White Campion (Silene latifolia). We found no effects of herbivory on floral traits involved in visual signalling (flower number, corolla diameter, calyx length, petal length) or in amount of nectar produced.