What's New in Biological Control of Weeds? Issue 60
May 2012
In this issue
Tradescantia Beetles Gain Momentum
Tradescantia (Tradescantia fluminensis) ranks among the top targets for environmental weeds in New Zealand.
Another White Smut in Shining Armour?
A white smut fungus (Kordyana sp.) looks like an excellent potential biocontrol agent for tradescantia (Tradescantia fluminensis).
Broom Control in the Wilderness
Permanent plots to measure the impact of two biocontrol agents: the broom psyllid (Arytainilla spartiophila) and the broom twig miner (Leucoptera spartifoliella), on broom (Cytisus scoparius) established.
Pampas – the Search Begins!
After surveys of pampas (Cortaderia selloana and C. jubata) in New Zealand found few natural enemies attacking the plant it was decided that potential biocontrol agents in the native range should be sought.
How Could Ecological Research be Used to Improve Safety of Weed Biocontrol?
Many ecologists have a negative opinion of biocontrol while practitioners argue that it offers a cost-effective solution to many invasive weed problems. Meanwhile practitioners are under pressure to implement effective weed biocontrol more quickly, cheaply and safely.
Is Biocontrol an Option for Paper Wasps in New Zealand?
In New Zealand, we have two species of exotic paper wasps, Polistes humilis which is native to Australia and Polistes chinensis antennalis which is native to Asia.
