Weed Biocontrol Issue 89
In this issue
Trying Again with a Tough Tussock
Nassella tussock (Nassella trichotoma) is unpalatable to stock and reduces the livestock carrying capacity of infested pasture. This weed is not the easiest target for biological control, but a new Sustainable Farming Fund grant awarded to the Marlborough Farmers Nassella Tussock Group (but administered by Manaaki Whenua – Landcare Research) is allowing us to have another crack.
Moth Plant Beetle Misconception Cleared Up
The potential to biologically control one of the North Island’s worst weeds took a big step forward in May when the Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) granted a new approval to release a root-feeding beetle (Freudeita cupripennis) to combat moth plant.
New Faces
We would like to introduce some new staff who have joined us recently.
Tackling Lesser Calamint with Biocontrol
A new biological control programme for lesser calamint (Calamintha nepeta) is underway in New Zealand thanks to funding granted to the Hawke’s Bay Lesser Calamint Control Group (HBLCCG) by the Sustainable Farming Fund. A 2015 study on the feasibility of using biological control to tackle lesser calamint predicted the weed would be an intermediate target in terms of the chances of success.
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 in Biological Control of Weeds?
Further Reading
