Bugs 2 the Rescue
Did you know that Belgium is host 26 invasive aquatic plant species? These exotic aquatic plants cause a lot of damage to the native biodiversity. In Bugs 2 the Rescue, youth, volunteers and scientists work together to research biological control; the use of herbivorous insects that like and help curb these invasive species.
The participants of Bugs 2 the Rescue will investigate the morphological characteristics of certain invasive aquatic plants and look for natural predators. The use of natural enemies (mainly herbivorous insects) to control a plant species is called “biological control”. The method is environmentally friendly and inexpensive. However, there are currently too many exotic aquatic plants, too few scientists and insufficient data available for the successful application of this method. That is why Bugs 2 the rescue is calling on the help of the general public.
