A Review on Biological Weeding in Forests

Mr. Li Jianguo is a probationet in the Research Institute of Forestry. CAF. Mr. Chen Guohai is an associate researcher in the same Institute.

The technique of biological weeding is a new technique prevailing in recentyears. It tends to substitute the chemical weeding gradually, because the latter causes seriousenvironmental pollution, affects the existence of plants and the health of human beings. Atpresent, the biocontrol agents include the chemical substance secreted by organisms, insects,viruses, fungi, microbes, competing grasses and herbivorous animals. Different biocontrolagents are based on different principle, the resultant techniques differ, too. The authorsmake some recommendations on the techniques of weeding in forests in China: (1) In respectof weeding technique, researches on biological weeding should be made, and be combinedwith chemical weeding. (2) If conditions permit, demonstration forest should be establishedusing biocontrol agents in weeding, and enlarge the scope of their application. (3) With ad- vanced experience to be learned from foreign countries, multidisciplines of science shouldcooperate in tackling the same problem.