Author
Chris McGrannachan
mcgrannachanc@landcaresearch.co.nz
Bioeconomy Science Institute – Manaaki Whenua – Landcare Research Group
Auckland, New Zealand
Coauthors
Quentin Paynter, Bioeconomy Science Institute – Manaaki Whenua – Landcare Research, Auckland, New Zealand
Simon V Fowler, Bioeconomy Science Institute – Manaaki Whenua – Landcare Research, Lincoln, New Zealand
Abstract
Tradescantia fluminensis (tradescantia) is a herbaceous weed native to south-east Brazil and northern Argentina. A commonly used ornamental house and garden plant, tradescantia has become invasive in other countries and is particularly problematic in New Zealand. Tradescantia detrimentally impacts on native seedling richness and abundance (stifling native plant recruitment), alters soil nutrient, increases litter decomposition and decreases native invertebrate richness. Concern over tradescantia’s significant environmental impacts in New Zealand saw the commencement in 2002 of a biocontrol programme to manage the weed’s invasion. The New Zealand biocontrol programme has culminated in the release of four biocontrol agents: three chrysomelid beetles and the smut fungus Kordyana brasiliensis. This presentation highlights the success of New Zealand’s tradescantia biocontrol programme and presents results of a recent post release monitoring study.
Keywords
Tradescantia
Post-release monitoring
New Zealand
Biomass reduction
Highlights
A biocontrol programme commenced in New Zealand in 2002 targeting Tradescantia fluminensis
Four biocontrol agents were released and have successfully established
Post-release monitoring has revealed a significant decrease in tradescantia biomass