Trichocereus sp. (Torch cactus) The torch cactus, Trichocereus sp., native to Argentina, has recently become a problem in South Africa taking up large areas of land leaving them unsuitable for grazing. In order to control this weed, a biological control program was initiated. Cacti are among the most widespread invasive...
Prosopis spp. (Mesquite) Invasive Prosopis species pose a significant threat to biodiversity, pasture production and water resources in South Africa. Aspects of the biology and the host range of the seed-feeding weevil, Coelocephalapion gandolfoi Kissinger (Coleoptera: Brentidae: Apioninae), were studied in Argentina and South Africa to evaluate its potential as a biocontrol agent. Application...
Campuloclinium macrocephalum (Pompom weed) Pompom weed is an ornamental perennial herb, native to South and Central America and Mexico, that has become a serious invasive weed in South Africa. Field surveys conducted in Argentina revealed the presence of potential biocontrol agents. Two insect species and one pathogen species...
Ludwigia grandiflora ssp. hexapetala. (Water Primrose) The Water Primroses, Ludwigia grandiflora, L. g. ssp. hexapetala and L. peploides are invasive aquatic plants that form extensive monospecific stands. They occupy the coasts of deep water bodies and can completely cover lagoons and gutters, alter water flow and decrease the biodiversity of ecosystems. These plants are South American...
Parkinsonia aculeata (Parkinsonia) Parkinsonia is a thorny leguminous shrub native to the hot and dry regions of North, Central and South America. In Australia, P. aculeata is recognized as one of the 20 worst weeds and considered a weed of national significance due to its impact on the environment...
Passiflora foetida (Stinking passionflower) The stinking passionflower is an invasive weed in several countries in Southeast Asia and Oceania. Researchers from FuEDEI are working on the identification of natural enemies in its home range, and their potential as biological control agents. The stinking passionflower (Passiflora foetida) is a...
Salvinia spp. (Giant salvinia) Giant salvinia, Salvinia molesta D. Mitch. (Salviniaceae), is an aquatic fern that is invasive in most tropical and subtropical areas of the world. The aquatic weevil Cyrtobagous salviniae (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) is an effective natural enemy of Salvinia. Giant salvinia is invading more temperate areas with harsher winters in the US,...
Schinus terebinthifolia (Brazilian peppertree) Brazilian peppertree (BP), Schinus terebinthifolius, native to South America, is an invasive weed in the USA, Australia and South Africa. The main objective of the project is to search for natural enemies of BP in South America and evaluate their potential as biocontrol agents...
Saltcedar, Tamarix spp. is native to Eurasia and Africa. In Argentina, saltcedars affect the social and economic value of both highly productive land and subsistence agriculture areas. They also threaten biodiversity and conservation in dry ecosystems, including national parks and several protected areas. The taxonomic isolation of Tamarix spp. in...
Jatropha gossypiifolia (Bellyache Bush) Bellyache bush (Jatropha gossypiifolia) has become a major and expanding weed of rangelands and riparian zones in Australia. In February 2018, an agreement was signed with DAFF (Queensland Department of Agriculture and Fisheries) to test two species of gall midges (Prodiplosis spp.) (Cecidomyiidae) as...