6533b852fe1ef96bd12ab4be

RESEARCH PRODUCT

La lutte biologique contre l'ambroisie à feuille d'armoise illustrée par l'exemple d'Ophraella communa : quels intérêts et quelles limites

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Common ragweed (Ambrosia artemisiifolia) was introduced in France over 150 years ago and its spreading across France now seems inexorable. The specific biology of this summer annual creates new problems for the managers of the various habitats where the plant can be found. The reduced possibility, or even the impossibility, to use traditional control means in certain environment conditions brings managers to consider biological control as one of the few possible means for slowing down the spread, or even pushing back the distribution area, of this invasive and allergenic plant. With Ophraella communa as an example, a reflection is presented on the benefit-risk balance of the introduction of an exotic insect for managing an invasive plant with a strong impact on human health. The case of Common ragweed might serve as a model for the various invasive species affecting human health which are targeted by the new health bill.