Foreign bugs okayed for use against pest plants

• Published date: 09 May 2024
• Publication title: Whanganui Chronicle

Horizons applied to introduce the insects in the Manawatū-Whanganui region as biocontrol agents to target different parts of the purple loosestrife plant, Lythrum salicaria

“These insects have been used as biocontrol agents for more than 30 years in the United States and Canada, where they reduced purple loosestrife infestations by up to 90 per cent,” the authority’s hazardous substances and new organisms general manager, Dr Chris Hill, said.

“We hope the introduction of these insects will help slow the spread of this aggressive weed in our precious wetland ecosystems, which are home to many amazing native species, as well as...