Natural enemies released to attack weeds

Biological control agents are being released in coastal areas north of Sydney and the rangelands areas of NSW to tackle the spread of three significant invasive weeds in NSW that are responsible for agricultural losses.

Department of Primary Industries (DPI) Strategy Leader Invasive Species Royce Holtkamp said the Department is working in collaboration with Biosecurity Queensland to contain the spread of weeds with approved biological control agents.

"The serious weeds targeted were recently placed on the Weeds of National Significance (WoNS) hit list and include the Cat’s claw creeper and Madeira vine and the Opuntioid cacti," said Mr Holtkamp.

"These nationally identified weeds pose a significant threat to agricultural production, biodiversity conservation, human health and water ways.

"Biological control is an intervention approach that targets a specific weed by releasing its natural enemy (insects or pathogens) to help reduce spread and impact.

"The agents are generally environmentally friendly, non toxic, self perpetuating once established, can lead to long term control and present an alternative to pesticides.

"To control cat’s claw creeper the two agents released to date, include an insect called the cat’s claw creeper tingid and a leaf mining moth.

"The tingid is now widely established with damage and impact seen at many sites.

"Unfortunately the moth is more difficult to assess and its establishment rate appears low at this stage.

"The insect released to control Madeira vine at a number of locations is called the Madeira vine leaf beetle and it has become well established and is causing damage at many sites."

Mr Holtkamp said, that before any agent is released into our environment extensive experiments are conducted to ensure the agent will not cause any damage to our native flora or agricultural and horticultural crops.

"With the aim of achieving sustainable weed control, further release of all agents is planned for spring 2012," he said.

Biosecurity Queensland Acting General Manager, Invasive Plants and Animals Dr Gabrielle Vivian-Smith said, this research, which has resulted in the discovery, collection, quarantine assessment and release of several new agents in Australia is made possible due to the collaborative efforts between NSW and Queensland, numerous overseas authorities and the support of Government funding.

Further information on weeds is available on the website: http://www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/agriculture/pests-weeds/weeds

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