Author
Caroline Delaisse
caroline.delaisse@csiro.au
CSIRO
Canberra
Coauthors
Isabel Zeil-Rolfe, CSIRO, Canberra, Australia
Peter Jones, CSIRO, Canberra, Australia
Gavin Hunter, CSIRO, Canberra, Australia
Ben Gooden, CSIRO, Canberra, Australia
Abstract
The expanding availability of classical biocontrol agents, facilitated by collaborative release programs between researchers, biosecurity officers, and community stakeholders, offers significant potential for widespread weed control across Australia. This presentation examines two successful biocontrol release programs: (a) the deployment of Puccinia rapipes against African boxthorn (Lycium ferocissimum, a Weed of National Significance) in New South Wales, and (b) the release of Venturia paralias for sea spurge (Euphorbia paralias) in Victoria and Tasmania. We will detail the entire process, from initial community engagement to managing community-led releases and monitoring the establishment of the fungal agents. As result of the Venturia paralias release program, the biocontrol agent was successfully established at 61% of release sites, with signs of spread in all regions, largely due to community involvement at sites inaccessible to researchers. These insights will inform and improve future community-driven biocontrol programs, enhancing the success of fungal agent establishment.
keywords
african boxthorn
sea spurge
community engagement
fungal agents
Highlights
The sea spurge biocontrol agent was successfully established at 61% of release sites
Results from the African boxthorn biocontrol program is still ongoing, but will be presented in 2026
Results from these programs will be used to inform future community-led biocontrol programs