Prioritization of alien plant targets for biological control in South Africa's offshore sub-Antarctic islands

Abstract Invasive alien plants (IAPs) are a significant threat to the biodiversity and ecological functioning of sub-Antarctic Prince Edward Islands (PEIs); however, weed biological control has not yet been implemented as management tool. The PEIs have had 23 recorded, which several considered beyond eradication therefore could benefit from release safe effective biocontrol agents. We used South African Biological Control Target Selection (BCTS) system provide ranked list target species in order priority for further research. highest-scoring species, those that should be first targeted, were Sagina procumbens Cerastium fontanum . No agents IAPs released any climate with consistent low temperatures PEIs, so climatic compatibility will essential prior decision release. However, very few native present on programmes would involve limited host specificity testing, improve feasibility speed new developed. Biocontrol may offer an environmentally sustainable method reducing negative impacts these thus warrants investigation.