Prof Nokwanda Makunga
Title: South African Medicinal Plants and plant biotechnology: Finding the balance
Prof Grant Martin
Abstract:
Biological Control in South African Grasslands: Unexplored Successes and Future Potential
The South African Grassland Biome provides vital ecosystem services, including water regulation, carbon storage, and forage production for over 50% of the country’s livestock. However, these services are severely impacted by invasive alien woody plant species. Recent investigations into invasive alien plant species at both national and regional conservation scales have shown that invasions continue to spread across South Africa, including within the Grassland biome, despite extensive management efforts. At these broad scales, the only species showing reduced invasion trends are those targeted by biological control. Yet, despite the Biome’s ecological and economic importance, the implementation and derived benefits of biological control have been less apparent here than in other South African biomes. As a researcher working within the Grassland Biome, I aim to highlight previously undocumented cases of reduced tree invasions, opportunities to furthering current programmes, new opportunities, and explore how biological control could contribute more effectively to invasive species management in grasslands.