THE CONTRIBUTION OF THE RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT INSTITUTE FOR PLANT PROTECTION TO THE FIRST DETECTION OF INVASIVE INSECT PEST SPECIES IN ROMANIA

The global phenomenon of biological invasion is a prevailing and important subject of research, with major negative social and economic consequences, representing a real threat for the native biodiversity of invaded countries. The main elements that favour the entering and spreading of invasive insect pest species into new territories are the intensive trade of goods between different regions, tourism and the on-going climate changes which are predicted to become more severe. Early detection and monitoring of the invasive organisms are essential steps of the foundation of an appropriate and efficient management. The problem of alien invasive species, especially those of agricultural importance, has been an on-going concern for the community of researchers at the Research and Development Institute for Plant Protection in Bucharest, Romania, who have made it the subject of numerous studies and research papers published and incorporated in national and international journals and projects.