Horizons releases mite to curb pest

• Published date: 14 August 2021
• Author: Laurel Stowell
• Publication title: Whanganui Chronicle

On August 19 a small number of plants, shipped from Manaaki Whenua — Landcare Research’s Lincoln campus, will be planted in the Taihape area. They have been infected with the gall mite Aceria vitalbae.

Old man’s beard (OMB or Clematis vitalba) is a serious problem across much of our region, says Horizons environmental programme co-ordinator Craig Davey.

“It’s a fast-growing competitive vine which establishes rapidly and spreads easily,” Davey said.

“OMB smothers all but the tallest trees, replacing indigenous...