What's New in Biological Control of Weeds?, Issue 63
February 2013
In this issue
Protecting Biodiversity and Landscape Values on the Desert Road
Stopping the insidious spread of weeds across vulnerable landscapes, for which multiple parties are responsible, presents many challenges, which often means the weeds get the upper hand.
Staff Changes
Our plant pathologist Sarah Dodd has recently left New Zealand for a more tropical life in Vanuatu. Sarah will be continuing to do some work for us from afar and will put her skills to use in the Pacific. Some of Sarah’s work, will be picked up by Mahajabeen (Maj) Padamsee. Maj was trained as a fungal biologist at the University of Minnesota, USA. Chantal Probst has joined the team as our plant pathology technician.
One Introduced Species Helping Another
Carlos Rouco and Grant Norbury came across an unusual example of a plant–insect–disperser triad in the wild involving sweet briar (Rosa rubiginosa), a rose seed wasp (Megastigmus aculeatus), and possums − all introduced species in New Zealand.
New Technology Helps Control ‘Wilding’ Pines
Recent advances in wilding tree control allow operators to work from the air, which is more cost effective and efficient than dropping off crew at individual trees.
Autumn Activities
There are a few things you might want to fit in before the wind-down towards winter. We would be very interested to hear about what you find.
Heat Turned Up on Chilean Weevils
Since our last article on Darwin’s barberry (Berberis darwinii) back in August 2011, the Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) has given approval to release two weevils that attack this invasive species.
