Zoning strategies for managing outbreaks of alien plant pests in the European Union: a review

Abstract Managing outbreaks of alien plant pests is key to preserving biodiversity and safeguarding crop production. Zoning strategies are applied by health authorities tailor measures the risk spread in relation distance from outbreak epicentre biology pest. Here we synthesize information on management evaluate diversity consistency such approaches. We collected zoning 121 25 European Union (EU). According organism’s presence applied, five zones were distinguished: an infested zone (83% cases), a buffer (76%), clear-cutting (28%), eradication (1%) containment (1%). Infested adjacent non-overlapping zones, while zone, or was within either zone. A combination used 51% recorded cases. Measures differed different zones. Destruction plants done 78% cases, surveillance always Regulation organism at EU level led convergence member states. Regulations often prescribed greatest widths before regulations issued. Further analyses needed explore efficacy including costs each strategy. Such should combine insight practice with bio-economic modelling.