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Weed Biocontrol articles

  1. Heather biochemistry differs between its native and invasive ranges

    All plants have a biochemical profile, which can be altered by abiotic conditions such as light and nutrient availability and biotic factors such as herbivory and plant pathogens. In issue 99 we wrote about plant metabolomics (the study of plant biochemistry at the molecular level) and how it can af...

  2. A newly established wasp unanimously welcomed

    The bud-galling wasp (Trichilogaster acaciaelongifoliae) was released at two sites in the Manawatū-Whanganui Region against Sydney golden wattle (Acacia longifolia) in December 2022 and 2023. We are now excited to report that this agent has successfully established at both sites and numbers are expe...

  3. Progress for taro vine in the Pacific

    MWLR’s biological control programme against Devil’s ivy, also known more commonly in the Pacific as taro vine (Epipremnum pinnatum cv. ‘Aureum’), began in 2020 when the weed was chosen as a novel target for work under the Managing Invasive Species for Climate Change Adaptation in the Pacific (MISCCA...

  4. The mystery of gregarines in air potato leaf beetles

    When conducting a routine screening of the air potato leaf beetle for disease, MWLR technicians discovered gregarines in the intestines of the beetles. This spurred a thorough investigation of where these gregarines came from as well as a lengthy process to get rid of the gregarines in the leaf beet...

  5. Assessment reveals that gorse remains healthy

    Gorse biocontrol began in the 1930s with the release of the gorse seed weevil, which was intended to reduce the spread of gorse but not affect its use as a hedging plant.

  6. Beetle arrival to help Niue

    In November last year Niue welcomed the air potato leaf beetle (Lilioceris cheni), which researchers hope will turn the tide against the invasive weed known as air potato.

  7. Vanuatu welcomes pico beetle

    In November, MWLR and our partners in Vanuatu released the pico beetle to tackle the spread of the invasive weed prickly solanum

  8. Disentangling food webs with old man’s beard leaf miner

    The old man’s beard leaf miner was introduced into New Zealand to help control the introduced clematis vine, old man’s beard. However, old man’s beard leaf miners are parasitised in New Zealand, reducing their impacts on old man’s beard.

  9. Autumn Activities 2025

    There are a few things you might want to fit in before winter sets in.

  10. First ever release of Chilean needle grass rust for biocontrol

    We are excited to report that we have completed the world’s first release of a fungal pathogen biocontrol agent for an invasive grass: the Chilean needle grass rust (Uromyces pencanus). Chilean needle grass (Nassella neesiana) is a perennial, tufted grass native to South America. It forms dense clum...