I read in the August 2001 F&B magazine that the Auckland Council and Landcare Research have released the Tradescantia leaf beetle (Neolema ogloblini) for the first time in NZ, in an effort to control what is a very invasive weed. Is anyone aware of how successful it has been? I'm always a little apprehensive about releasing new plants or animals due to the potential for things to go wrong, but presume that such things are trialled extensively nowadays.
I spend a fair bit of time on Tradescantia control and am always keen to find out new methods of control that don't involve spraying (although I do sometimes use spray when hand control methods aren't able to stop a large infestation from spreading). Some people claim chickens eat Tradescantia, but I don't see them as being feasable in most situations. Any other ideas?
Forest & Bird » Other
Tradesantia leaf beetle
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Posted 7 months ago #
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