-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
Biocontrol
-
-
-
-
-
-
Biological control, also known as biocontrol, uses the natural enemies of a pest, such as insects, fungi, or other organisms, to reduce its spread and impacts. In Otago, biocontrol agents have been released for several widespread pest plants, including gorse, broom, buddleia, old man’s beard, ragwort, horehound, and a range of thistle species, helping to reduce their abundance and complement other management methods.
Before any biocontrol agent can be released in New Zealand, it must undergo rigorous testing to ensure it is safe and highly specific to its target pest. Only agents that pose minimal risk to native species, crops, and other non-target plants are approved for release. Much of New Zealand's biocontrol research and development is undertaken by the Bioeconomy Science Institute, Manaaki Whenua – Landcare Research Group in partnership with regional councils, universities, and other research organisations.
Nodding thistle receptacle weevil
Photo: Christina-Butler CC BY 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons.
Nodding thistle crown weevil
Nodding thistle gall fly
Green thistle beetle
Gorse colonial hard shoot moth
Photo: Landcare research - Sarah and Karen Hand
Gorse seed weevil
Photo: Landcare research
Gorse soft shoot moth
Photo: Patrick Clement via Wikimedia Commons
Gorse spider mite
Photo: Landcare research
Broom gall mite
Photo: Landcare research
Broom leaf beetle
Photo: Landcare research
Broom psyllid
Photo: Landcare research
Broom seed beetle
Photo: Landcare research
Old man's beard leaf fungus
Photo: Landcare research
Old man's beard leaf miner
Photo: Landcare research
Old man's beard sawfly
Photo: Landcare research
Old man's beard mite
Photo: Landcare research
