Weed Biocontrol Issue 89
![](https://oldwww.landcareresearch.co.nz/__data/assets/image/0007/108772/weed-biocontrol-banner.jpg)
In this issue
![Suspected crown rot fungus in Australia we hope to find again Suspected crown rot fungus in Australia we hope to find again](https://oldwww.landcareresearch.co.nz/__data/assets/image/0019/212194/varieties/thumb200.jpg)
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 Moth plant beetle](https://oldwww.landcareresearch.co.nz/__data/assets/image/0008/212210/varieties/thumb200.jpg)
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 New faces](https://oldwww.landcareresearch.co.nz/__data/assets/image/0020/213068/varieties/thumb200.jpg)
New Faces
We would like to introduce some new staff who have joined us recently.
![Larva of a leaf-mining beetle (Trachys menthae) Larva of a leaf-mining beetle (Trachys menthae)](https://oldwww.landcareresearch.co.nz/__data/assets/image/0003/213069/varieties/thumb200.jpg)
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.
![Tutsan beetle larva and damage Tutsan beetle larva and damage](https://oldwww.landcareresearch.co.nz/__data/assets/image/0015/212244/varieties/thumb200.jpg)
Spring Activities
Most biocontrol agents become active during spring, making it a busy time of year to check release sites and move agents around.
![Broom shoot moth larva Broom shoot moth larva](https://oldwww.landcareresearch.co.nz/__data/assets/image/0014/212243/varieties/thumb200.jpg)
Who’s Who in Biological Control of Weeds?
![Basidiomata and basidiospores of the crown rot fungus under a microscope Basidiomata and basidiospores of the crown rot fungus under a microscope](https://oldwww.landcareresearch.co.nz/__data/assets/image/0020/212195/varieties/thumb200.jpg)
Further Reading
![Biocontrol Agents Released in 2018/19 Biocontrol Agents Released in 2018/19](https://oldwww.landcareresearch.co.nz/__data/assets/image/0016/212263/varieties/thumb200.jpg)