Weed Biocontrol Issue 81
In this issue
Still Tussling with Tussocks
Many New Zealanders would be very happy if we could successfully biocontrol two closely related weedy grasses: Chilean needle grass (Nassella neesiana) and nassella tussock (Nassella trichotoma).
Alligator Weed: A Financial Snapshot
Alligator weed (Alternanthera philoxeroides) is a tough plant to control. Herbicides can be used to some extent, but the structure of this plant, with its many nodes, means translocation can be poor.
Turning up the Heat on Ginger
Molecular studies suggest that the most invasive form of wild ginger in Northland is a hybrid between kahili ginger (Hedychium gardnerianum) and most likely white ginger (H. coronarium), both of which originate from India.
Biocontrol for Mexican Daisy?
Mexican daisy (Erigeron karvinskianis), an emerging environmental weed in New Zealand, was introduced as an ornamental plant in the 1940s.
Beating Weeds with Science
The idea that leaving the more than 50 species of woody weeds in the environment until they are outcompeted by native species has advantages.
Spring Activities
Most biocontrol agents become active during spring, making it a busy time of year to check release sites and move agents around.
Who’s Who
Complete list of biological control agents in use in New Zealand.
Further reading
Recent publications relating to the biological control of weeds
Changes to pages
If you are keeping your copy of The Biological Control of Weeds Book up to date you might like to download the following new or amended pages.
