6 April 2011
A weevil introduced in 2006 for the biocontrol of buddleia is reported to be stripping large patches of buddleia to bare stems throughout the Bay of Plenty.
The Chinese weevil, Cleopus japonicus, was released in 2006 by Scion because it eats buddleia and nothing else. It is now reported to be spreading naturally.
“The weevils are achieving similar damage to herbicides in late summer to autumn, but without the need to spray,” says Scion scientist Michelle Watson.
Michelle says the most enthusiastic reports are coming from forest managers:
- “Buddleia is one of New Zealand’s worst forestry weeds, costing the forest industry an estimated $3 million a year in lost production and control costs, so the weevil is very welcome.”
Bay of Plenty Regional Council’s Rotorua land resource manager, Greg Corbett, says weevils are spreading widely throughout the region and causing significant feeding damage to buddleia plants on roadsides and riverbanks.“This is very promising - if the weevil continues to thrive, buddleia may cease to be such a serious and costly weed in New Zealand.”
Buddleia was originally introduced to New Zealand as an ornamental plant and became a virulent weed due to its rapid growth and ability to colonise bare soil.
Source: Scion media release