Biocontrol & ecology of weeds
Controlling weeds in New Zealand is a challenging and expensive task. Widespread weeds can be found in inaccessible locations and alongside native and economically important plants. Herbicides are expensive to apply, often kill desirable plants, can contaminate the environment, and need to be reapplied regularly in order to control weeds.
Biocontrol offers a cost-effective, environmentally friendly, and permanent solution to weed control. Carefully selected biocontrol agents target only weeds. They don’t harm desirable plants, and don’t pollute the environment. Once established, they travel wherever the weed spreads and can return again and again to kill off new weed growth—all without human input.