had split in two, with an annual symposium on all aspects of biological invasions in
South Africa, hosting over 150 delegates, and a continuation of the biological control
technical meeting that was smaller and much more focussed. This escalation in
participants is regarded as a tribute to the involvement of WfW, which has been a
staunch supporter of invasive plant biological control (Moran et al. 2013). The
biological control research community has also produced regular comprehensive
reviews of biological control projects in South Africa (Hoffmann 1991; Olckers and
Hill 1999; Moran et al. 2011).
The many successes achieved in the biological control of invasive plants in
South Africa have been the result of long-standing personal friendships and research
synergies among scientists of differing strengths and talents, from state and
university-based organisations. This is illustrated by the trio of Cliff Moran,
Helmuth Zimmermann and John Hoffmann (Prof. John Hoffmann was a graduate
of Rhodes University and one of Moran’s PhD students, later joining Moran at the
University of Cape Town). Hoffmann is an acclaimed and innovative researcher
with broad experience across all phases of biological control science; Moran an
effective scientific facilitator and manager as well as a vigorous proponent for
South African invasive alien plant biological control, nationally and internationally;
and Zimmermann is the world-leading expert in cactus biological control. Together
(Fig. 2.3) they provide an excellent example of inter-institutional and personal
Fig. 2.3 Helmuth Zimmermann, John Hoffmann and Cliff Moran (left-right) at the XIV International
Symposium on Biological Control of Weeds in 2014. The meeting, held in Skukuza, Kruger National
Park to mark 100 years of invasive alien plant biological control in South Africa, was attended by
154 delegates representing all continents except Antarctica. Photograph courtesy of John Hoffmann
2 A Brief, Selective History of Researchers and Research Initiatives
39
South Africa, hosting over 150 delegates, and a continuation of the biological control
technical meeting that was smaller and much more focussed. This escalation in
participants is regarded as a tribute to the involvement of WfW, which has been a
staunch supporter of invasive plant biological control (Moran et al. 2013). The
biological control research community has also produced regular comprehensive
reviews of biological control projects in South Africa (Hoffmann 1991; Olckers and
Hill 1999; Moran et al. 2011).
The many successes achieved in the biological control of invasive plants in
South Africa have been the result of long-standing personal friendships and research
synergies among scientists of differing strengths and talents, from state and
university-based organisations. This is illustrated by the trio of Cliff Moran,
Helmuth Zimmermann and John Hoffmann (Prof. John Hoffmann was a graduate
of Rhodes University and one of Moran’s PhD students, later joining Moran at the
University of Cape Town). Hoffmann is an acclaimed and innovative researcher
with broad experience across all phases of biological control science; Moran an
effective scientific facilitator and manager as well as a vigorous proponent for
South African invasive alien plant biological control, nationally and internationally;
and Zimmermann is the world-leading expert in cactus biological control. Together
(Fig. 2.3) they provide an excellent example of inter-institutional and personal
Fig. 2.3 Helmuth Zimmermann, John Hoffmann and Cliff Moran (left-right) at the XIV International
Symposium on Biological Control of Weeds in 2014. The meeting, held in Skukuza, Kruger National
Park to mark 100 years of invasive alien plant biological control in South Africa, was attended by
154 delegates representing all continents except Antarctica. Photograph courtesy of John Hoffmann
2 A Brief, Selective History of Researchers and Research Initiatives
39