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Where possible, match the climates between the introduced and native range of the weed. The best estimates of the effectiveness of biological control agents are made through observations in situations in the native range ecoclimatically resembling the invaded range
(Wapshere 1985). This is possible for some species such as Mimosa
pigra, where the native range is diverse, but not possible for others such as
Salvinia molesta, where the native range is very narrow. Computer programs such as
CLIMEX may be used to obtain this information. The information is used to decide where to collect a biological control agent as, in some cases, it may be preferable to collect a population of an agent from a climate zone which matches the area where the weed has been
introduced. |
