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 Welcome |
FIRST ANNOUNCEMENT - 1st Meeting
IOBC/WPRS Study Group 'Benefits and risks associated with exotic biological control agents'
HARMONIA AXYRIDIS AND OTHER INVASIVE LADYBIRDS
6-9 September 2009, Engelberg, Switzerland
We are pleased to announce the 1st meeting of the IOBC/WPRS 'Study Group Benefits and risks associated with exotic biological control' in Switzerland 2009. The meeting will be organized by Marc Kenis and Dirk Babendreier (CABI Europe-Switzerland, Delémont, Switzerland), Alexandre Aebi (Agroscope Reckenholz-Tänikon, Zurich, Switzerland) and Helen Roy (Biological Records Centre, CEH Wallingford, UK).
The goal of the study group is to offer a forum for exchange of information and to stimulate contacts and cooperation between scientists working in the field of benefits and risks of exotic biological control agents.
- To assess the characteristics of exotic natural enemies which are considered to be successful biological control agents
- To assess the characteristics of exotic natural enemies introduced into a country as biological control agents which subsequently become invasive alien species
- To highlight research areas requiring attention and develop strategies for supporting priority research
- Ongoing development of guidelines on assessing environmental benefits and risks of releasing exotic biological control agents to increase cogency of decision making on classical biological control initiatives
Harmonia axyridis, the harlequin ladybird or multicoloured Asian ladybeetle, is a coccinellid of Asian origin used for biological control purposes worldwide. In recent years, it has become invasive in many parts of the world, including North and South America, Europe and South Africa. Significant negative effects of the establishment of H. axyridis have been reported. Due to its predatory and competitive abilities, H. axyridis may have strong negative effects on biodiversity, impacting on many non-target species, including native ladybirds and other aphidophagous insects. Moreover, H. axyridis has been reported to damage fruit crops in late summer and to taint wine when harvested and crushed with grapes. It may also affect humans directly when it seeks overwintering sites in buildings. At the same time, H. axyridis has become an exciting and very convenient model species for invasion ecologists.
This conference will offer an opportunity for research scientists, invasion ecologists, biological control specialists and interested colleagues to meet and discuss the invasion of H. axyridis and other invasive ladybirds worldwide. Discussion topics will include: risk assessment in biological control, invasion ecology, spread, genetics of invasion, management of ladybirds, ecological impact on native fauna, agricultural impact, association with symbionts, tri-trophic interactions, etc. Invited keynote speakers (to be announced) will provide unique background information related to the invasion of H. axyridis (and other ladybirds worldwide) as well as information on the ecology of H. axyridis in its area of origin. The conference will also offer a unique platform for developing multilateral collaboration activities and concerted research strategies.
This brief note intends to provide you with the date and the place of the meeting for your long-term planning purposes. More detailed information (including registration information, how to reach Engelberg and materials concerning the submission of talks and posters) will follow in the coming weeks on the conference website, which will be available on:
www.iobc-harmonia-meeting.com
We look forward to a stimulating conference and hope that you will manage to participate. If you are interested in attending this symposium please respond as soon as possible to: info@iobc-harmonia-meeting.com and provide your name, institute affiliation and address. This will help us with planning the conference and providing you with updates. Please forward this message to colleagues potentially interested in the conference topic.
Further information on key note lectures and the deadlines for submission of abstracts and title of presentations will be available on the meeting website soon.
With best wishes,
Marc Kenis and Dirk Babendreier
CABI Europe-Switzerland, Delémont, Switzerland
Alexandre Aebi
Agroscope Reckenholz-Tänikon, Zurich, Switzerland
Helen Roy
Biological Records Centre, CEH Wallingford, UK
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