Meet the biocontrol agents
Urophora stylata
Around 39 arthropods and 4 species of fungi are being used as biocontrol agents for weeds in New Zealand.
Most have been imported from the weeds’ native habitats, but some are self-introduced species that can be managed to help control weeds. Some native insects also attack weeds.
We have developed The Biological control of Weeds Book as a guide to to biocontrol agents for weeds. It includes identifying features, background information on the agent, how and where to find it, and how to manage the agent for biocontrol. We have also produced a shorter field guide and a quick reference guide.