How successful is biocontrol?
- It is impossible to predict, but it is possible to measure the
success of biocontrol agents.
- Successful biocontrol will not eradicate
weeds, but it will reduce their numbers, growth and reproduction.
The weed may disappear from small areas.
- Control of the weed and success of the agents will vary
from place to place and year to year depending on
environmental conditions (e.g., temperature), soil type and
vegetation at the site.
- Management practices can be important in determining whether
agents are successful or not. Herbicides,
mowing and overgrazing with livestock may wipe out the good guys
(biocontrol agents) as well as the bad guys (weeds).
- Biological
control success stories in NZ
|
 |
