ABSTRACT
Most of the major pest problems in United States, as well as in other countries, are the result of accidental introductions of plants, insects, or animals, or of well-meaning purposeful introductions that backfired. The first use of natural enemies to control pests in the United States concerned insect pests and occurred in the latter part of the 19th century. The first attempt to control weeds with natural enemies took place at the beginning of this century in Hawaii. Biological control of aquatic weeds is a relatively new endeavor, the first attempt being made against alligator weed, with which the Corps of Engineers, which has financed the program, is completely familiar. The goal of biological control studies is to find a monophagous natural enemy that produces significant damage to the target weed. In considering the potential effects of the Neochetina release, it is first necessary to consider the effects on the environment of water hyacinth itself.
