Forest Insect Biosecurity: Processes, Patterns, Predictions, Pitfalls.

Area of Science:

• Forestry
• Ecology
• Environmental Science

Background:

• Globalization of trade and travel escalates economic and environmental threats from non-native forest insects.
• Decades of biosecurity research and implementation have not halted or saturated insect invasions, which are predicted to accelerate.
• Existing biosecurity systems face limitations, including the impossibility of inspecting all imports and imperfect phytosanitary measures.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review biosecurity measures for mitigating non-native forest insects.
• To identify impediments to successful biosecurity implementation.
• To emphasize the need for shared responsibility in biosecurity.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of biosecurity measures.
• Analysis of impediments to biosecurity implementation.
• Discussion of global and country-scale biosecurity system limitations.

Main Results:

• Biosecurity successes are often under-recognized due to difficulties in detection and quantification.
• Failures of biosecurity measures are more apparent through the continued establishment of non-native species.
• Limitations include inspection constraints, imperfect phytosanitary measures, inability to regulate unknown threats, and ongoing noncompliance.

Conclusions:

• Biosecurity systems require continuous improvement to address escalating threats from non-native forest insects.
• Effective biosecurity is a shared responsibility among countries, governments, stakeholders, and individuals.
• Addressing limitations and enhancing cooperation are crucial for mitigating the impacts of invasive forest insects.