What are biocontrols?

Biological control (biocontrol) is the use of one living organism to control another. This involves the introduction of a natural enemy (usually an insect or a fungus) of a target weed from the country of origin of the weed. Once a population has established, the natural enemy maintains itself in perpetuity, spreads itself from place to place, and regulates its numbers in response to the abundance of the weed (when the weed becomes uncommon, the natural enemy will also be uncommon).

New Zealand is a world leader in biocontrols. Research is undertaken by the Manaaki Whenua Landcare Research group of the Bioeconomy Science Institute. The process of researching a new biocontrol can take 5−10 years and cost between $500,000 and $2,000,000. See here to learn more about biocontrols.

Which weeds have biocontrol agents in NZ?

Within our weed list we have added links to information on biocontrols that have been released or are being researched for that weed species. For the full list of weeds being targetted by biocontrol agents, see here.

Are there biocontrols in my area?

Check with your local regional council to find out more what’s happening in your neck of the woods or if you want to get a hold of some agents.