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Weed Biocontrol articles

  1. 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...

  2. 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.

  3. 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.

  4. 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

  5. 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.

  6. Autumn Activities 2025

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

  7. 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...

  8. Accidental introduction of cleavers mite

    Increased global trade and international travel have facilitated the accidental introduction of numerous exotic species into New Zealand, and that number is growing every year.

  9. Honolulu rose: a potential new target for weed biocontrol in the Pacific

    Honolulu rose is a subtropical perennial shrub native to China, Taiwan, and Vietnam. Its attractive and fragrant flowers have seen it favoured as a garden ornamental throughout subtropical regions, but it has gone on to become invasive, particularly in the Pacific.

  10. Summer Activities

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