A Review on the Biological Control of Common Ragweed, Ambrosia artemisiifolia (Asteraceae)

Common ragweed (Ambrosia artemisiifolia) is an annual in the Asteraceae that is broadly distributed in most temperate regions of the world. Since it is both extremely competitive and has allergenic pollens, common ragweed presents problems to agricultural production and public health. Currently, over 450 species of natural enemies of ragweed have been discovered, among which the leaf beetle Zygogramma suturalis (Chrysomelidae) and the moth Epiblema strenuana (Tortricidae)have been the two most effective species for ragweed suppression. In addition, in China outstanding control has been provided by the leaf beetle Ophraella communa. The complementary use of O. communa and E. strenuana has also been tested in southern China to good effect on A. artemisiifolia. In addition, several pathogens have been considered as potential biological control agents of common ragweed. This paper mainly introduces common ragweed, considers its negative effects, and reviews the history and current achievements of common ragweed biological control.