On the management of non-native plant pest outbreaks in the European Union

Summary

Non-native plant pests pose a significant threat to food production, ecosystem services, and biodiversity. Invasions of non-native plant pests are on the rise due to globalization and climate change. When entry cannot be prevented, non-native plant pests may establish in the invaded area and lead to an outbreak. Effective management of non-native plant pest outbreaks is critical. In this thesis I study how outbreaks are delimited and managed in practice and how this delimitation and management might be improved. This thesis highlights existing gaps in the management of outbreaks of non-native plant pests. Modelling may be used as a tool to test outbreak management strategies in silico, but the management of outbreaks of plant pests has not drawn sufficient attention in science. Further research, requiring collaborative efforts between science, regulation, and practice, is essential to advance effective, resource-efficient and environmentally friendly management strategies.