GENES IN NEW ENVIRONMENTS GENETICS AND EVOLUTION IN.pdfVIP

R E V I E W S GENES IN NEW ENVIRONMENTS: GENETICS AND EVOLUTION IN BIOLOGICAL CONTROL George K. Roderick* and Maria Navajas‡ The availability of new genetic technologies has positioned the field of biological control as a test bed for theories in evolutionary biology and for understanding practical aspects of the release of genetically manipulated material. Purposeful introductions of pathogens, parasites, predators and herbivores, when considered as replicated semi-natural field experiments, show the unpredictable nature of biological colonization. The characteristics of organisms and their environments that determine this variation in the establishment and success of biological control can now be explored using genetic tools. Lessons from studies of classical biological control can help inform researchers and policy makers about the risks that are associated with the release of genetically modified organisms, particularly with respect to long-term evolutionary changes. HOSTS The goal of biological control is to suppress the popula- of the targeted pest, giving an overall success rate of Prey for organisms that are 6,7 tion density of a pest organism through the use of preda- 16% . Th