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2020 Weed Biocontrol articles

  1. Biocontrol vs Herbicides – a Case Study on Heather

    Invasive non-native/exotic species have become so abundant and widespread throughout the world that their management is a prerequisite for the protection of native biodiversity and ecosystem services. Effective control of a target invasive species while avoiding direct non-target effects is essentia...

  2. MISCCAP – a New Collaboration for the Pacific

    A new project, “Managing Invasive Species for Climate Change Adaptation in the Pacific”, is underway to allow Pacific Island Countries and Territories (PICTs) to take stronger action against invasive species and thereby build resilience to climate change. Invasive species make ecosystems and communi...

  3. Biocontrol for Singapore Daisy in the Pacific?

    Native to tropical America and parts of the Caribbean, Singapore daisy (Sphagneticola trilobata) has been introduced to the Pacific, North America, Europe, Africa, Asia and Australia, but fortunately not to New Zealand. Since its arrival in Hawaii in 1965, Singapore daisy (Sphagneticola trilobata) h...

  4. Douglas Fir Evades Biocontrol Due to Parasitism

    Douglas fir is a large, evergreen conifer native to the cooler regions of western North America. Douglas fir has been planted extensively in New Zealand for timber production, and several seed orchards have been established. Like many other conifer species worldwide, Douglas fir escaped cultivation ...

  5. Summer activities

    Summer is a busy time for many biocontrol agents, so you might need to schedule the following activities.

  6. A Seed-Damaging Fly for Moth Plant?

    A fly that feeds and develops inside the fruit pods of moth plant, completely destroying the seeds, is currently undergoing host range testing at our Tamaki containment facility in Auckland. The fly is the third candidate biocontrol agent for moth plant to be tested in New Zealand. A rust that infec...

  7. A Few Steps Closer With Nassella Tussock

    Just less than a year ago we revived efforts to search for effective fungal biocontrol agents for nassella tussock, and we are pleased to report that we have already made significant headway.

  8. Hieracium Biocontrol – 20 Years on

    Hieracium ([Hieracium] and [Pilosella] species) or hawkweeds, are perennial herbs in the plant family Asteraceae that have dandelion-like yellow flowers. They are serious pasture weeds in New Zealand that form dense mats of tight, interconnected rosettes, with thick underground root systems. Hieraci...

  9. Three for the Price of One in Chile

    Chantal Probst, our plant pathology technician, and Randall Milne (Environment Southland), travelled to Chile in November last year to collect starter cultures of the Darwin’s barberry rust (Puccinia berberidis-darwinii) and pampas floral smut (Ustilago quitensis). As is often the case, to maximise ...

  10. Buddleia Be Gone!

    Buddleia (Buddleja davidii) is native to China and is a serious weed in plantation forests, natural habitats and riparian areas in New Zealand, especially in the central North Island. Also commonly known as summer lilac or butterfly bush because of its showy, dense clusters of purple or white flower...