Weed Biocontrol - Issue 76
In this issue
Tradescantia Beetles on the Up
Beetles brought to New Zealand from Brazil to control tradescantia (Tradescantia fluminensis) have found a new home on Mt Victoria in Wellington, after being released there by Conservation Minister Maggie Barry and Wellington Mayor Celia Wade-Brown in March.
What’s Happening with Old Man’s Beard?
Old man’s beard (Clematis vitalba) has proven to be a challenging biocontrol target. Since we have many valued native Clematis species in New Zealand biocontrol agents need to be highly host-specific.
Privet Lace Bug Shows Early Promise
The Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) granted approval to release the privet lace bug (Leptoypha hospita) in May 2015. Waikato Regional Council was the applicant on behalf of the National Biocontrol Collective.
Feasibilty of Biocontrol for Evergreen Buckthorn
We were recently approached by Auckland Council (AC) to take a look at biocontrol options for evergreen buckthorn (Rhamnus alaternus), which is threatening coastal and offshore island native plant communities.
Barberry Weevil Breakthrough
Widespread releases of a seed-feeding weevil (Berberidicola exaratus) finally got underway last summer with batches of weevils sent off to new homes in Southland, Wellington and Manawatu-Wanganui.
Farmer Grateful for Tiny Beetle
Ragwort’s (Jacobaea vulgaris) distinctive bright yellow fl owers used to be a familiar sight across New Zealand farmland. But thanks to a tiny flea beetle the weed, which is particularly toxic to cattle and horses, is now largely under control, saving farmers millions in control costs.
