Abstract
Biological control organisms undergo host range studies to identify potential nontarget hosts. The selection criterion for host range studies is primarily based on the target host's taxonomy. Thus, inaccuracies in host taxonomy may compromise the validity of host range studies. We propose that biocontrol researchers use internet‐available databases to identify potential nontarget organisms that share parasites (biotrophic pathogens and pests) with target hosts, and add these organisms to host range tests. Marijuana (Cannabis sativa) has been targeted for biocontrol, and host range studies have focused upon the Moraceae. A list of Cannabis parasites was compared with database lists of pests and pathogens for hosts in the order Urticales. The databases revealed seven Cannabis biotrophic parasites that were shared by hosts in the family Urticaceae, one biotroph shared by a host in the Celtidaceae, and no biotrophs shared by hosts in the Moraceae, Cercropiaceae, or Ulmaceae. These results suggest that biocontrol host range studies of Cannabis parasites should focus on the Urticaceae and Celtidaceae as well as the Moraceae. These results also suggest that taxonomic relationships within the Uricales be reassessed.
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