A framework for evaluating potential ecological effects of implementing biological control of Phragmites australis

The increasing abundance of Phragmites australis in many North American. coastal and inland wetlands is of great concern to many scientists and land managers. While some considered the species native, others considered it an introduced invasive species. Regardless of its origin, control measures using mechanical, physical, and chemical means are implemented widely. With the exception of increased salinity, reductions in the abundance of R australis are usually temporary and control measures need to be repeated frequently increasing the cost and the potential for nontarget effects. The failure of traditional control attempts resulted in increased interest to develop a biological control program. Recent research suggests that genetically distinct populations (introduced and native) occur in North America. The native genotypes appear noninvasive and declining while the introduced genotypes are invasive replacing native genotypes where they co-occur. Accidentally introduced European herbivores specialized on R australis are spreading across North America and can be extremely abundant in the Northeast. Introduction of additional specialized herbivores as biological control agents from the European range of P. australis, if approved and successful, will result in changes in plant communities, wetland food webs, and management practices. The potential changes associated with introduction of biological control agents to wetland plant communities and their food webs may be more beneficial than current management strategies allowing the introduced P. australis genotypes and its associated herbivores to spread.