What does the risk analysis process contribute to this
example? From the host-speciWcity testing it was known
and communicated that there is a qualitative risk that
native and introduced Cirsium spp. may be attacked at a
given Weld site. There is a phenology of events that must
occur for the attack to be signiWcant, and for the native Cirsium
population to be placed at risk. Although the risk
assessment process starts with attack by a single weevil on a
single plant, it is important to note that it is the population
level, not the individual plant level, that is important in
such risk assessments.