Biocontrol Agent Used to Control Clover Root Weevil in Southland.

A report commissioned by NZ Landcare Trust has recently been released by AgResearch, highlighting the work undertaken over the last 12 months to control the spread of Clover Root Weevil in Southland.

AgResearch sampled pastures throughout Southland and identified key areas where the pest was present. The greatest populations were present either side of SH1 between Edendale and Gore. It is believed that some populations may have been present for 2-3 years but remained undetected.

Clover root weevil can be a very damaging pest if left unchecked with potential costs to the pastoral sector in the region of $NZ 400 million per year link>

A biocontrol agent (Microctonus aethiopoides) was released at 3 key areas. One of these sites has already established a viable population.

Author of the report Dr. Colin Ferguson says: "I’ve had a lot of positive feedback from farmers and associated industry people as well as others with an interest in biological control."

The report details other outcomes such as training Environment Southland biocontrol officers and NZ Landcare Trust staff about the techniques for detecting and sampling populations of both Clover root weevil and the control agent.

Monitoring and control will continue not just in Southland but also as part of a broader national initiative supported by DairyNZ.

A copy of the report is available for download on this page.