Author
Leisongi Bulesulu
lbulesulu@vanuatu.gov.vu
Department of Biosecurity
Port Vila
Coauthors
Patricia Allanson, Plant Health Biosecurity, Port Vila, Vanuatu
Abstract
Since 2018, the Department of Biosecurity Vanuatu Plant Health team (operating under the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, Livestock, Forestry and Biosecurity (MALFB)) has worked in partnership with scientists from the New Zealand Bioeconomy Science Institute’s Manaaki Whenua-Landcare Research Group to implement biocontrol solutions to manage invasive weeds that threaten biodiversity, agriculture, and rural livelihoods.
This work, funded by the New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT), has enabled novel agent releases targeting Dolichandra unguis-cati (cats claw creeper), Parthenium hysterophorus (Parthenium), Solanum torvum (prickly solanum), Spathodea campanulata (African tulip tree), and Urena lobata (hibiscus burr). Redistribution of previously released agents has also been conducted for Mimosa diplotricha (giant sensitive plant), Pistia stratiotes (water lettuce), Pontederia crassipes (water hyacinth), and Sida spp. (broom weed).
The project focuses on introducing host-specific natural enemies to suppress weed growth and reproduction to reduce reliance on chemical herbicides, restore degraded ecosystems, and support more resilient land management practices. The program reflects a broader commitment to ecological restoration and sustainable agricultural development through nature-based solutions and has already yielded some impressive results.
keywords
Vanuatu
Solanum torvum
leptinotarsa undecimlineata
Urena lobata
Haedus vicarius
Highlights
Biological agents released and established on several invasive weeds in Vanuatu
New release of agent for Solanum torvum and Hibiscus burr