Author
Michelle Nukvala Pius
mpius@naqia.gov.pg
National Agriculture Quarantine Inspection Authority
Port Moresby
Coauthors
Annette Mwayawa, BSI – Manaaki Whenua – Land Care Research, New Zealand
Abstract
Papua New Guinea has one of the longest and most active histories of weed biocontrol in the Pacific, with 19 agents released against 12 weed species. Early successes date back to the 1980s, when salvinia (Salvinia molesta) had severe impacts on communities along the Sepik River. Later programmes included the introduction of the psyllid Heteropsylla spinulosa in 1993 to control Mimosa diplotricha and Calligrapha pantherina in 2000, which provided excellent control of Sida spp. infestations. Further notable achievements include the gall fly Cecidochares connexa, introduced in 2001 for the biological control of Chromolaena odorata, which established well and significantly reduced plant growth and flowering, and the rust fungus Puccinia spegazzinii, released in 2008 to control Mikania micrantha, which successfully established and reduced the weed’s vigour in several provinces. However, activities have ceased since then, and there is currently no ongoing weed biocontrol work in PNG, as capacity and priorities have shifted to other areas. Weed problems continue to be significant in PNG, affecting agriculture, biodiversity, and rural livelihoods. Many potential agents identified for the Pacific remain under-utilised in PNG. This paper reviews the history and status of weed biocontrol in PNG, examines barriers to programme continuity, and proposes a pragmatic, phased roadmap to revive and expand biocontrol work in the country.
Beywords
biological control
natural enemies
invasive
agriculture
biodiversity
Highlights
Papua New Guinea has a long and notable history in weed biocontrol, with 19 agents released against
Biocontrol programmes in PNG have stalled since 2008, with no ongoing initiatives due to shifting ca
Weed problems remain a serious challenge, negatively affecting agriculture, biodiversity, and rural