In this recorded lecture forest ecologist and entomologist Eckehard Brockerhoff examines the concept of biotic resistance – the idea that diverse, intact ecosystems can repel biological invasions.
Using examples from plant and insect invasions, he explains why forests with higher species richness often contain fewer ecological niches for newcomers and contain more natural enemies to suppress invaders.
He also notes that evidence for biotic resistance is sometimes conflicting, prompting calls for further research and collaboration. Tune in to hear how understanding biodiversity’s role could improve biosecurity and guide management strategies against future invasions.
Eckehard G. Brockerhoff leads the Forest Health and Biotic Interactions research unit at the Swiss Federal Institute for Forest, Snow and Landscape Research (WSL).
A forest ecologist and entomologist, his work focuses on the ecology, impacts and management of non-native and native forest insects. He is particularly interested in how forest biodiversity influences resistance to insect pests and invasive species and has studied bark beetles and other wood-boring insects – some of the most damaging forest invaders worldwide.
Project HIVE 101187384. Funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Research Executive Agency. Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them.
