Biocontrol introduction

Target pest: Ageratina adenophora (Asterales: Asteraceae), Mexican devil weed

Agent introduced: Passalora ageratinae (Capnodiales: Mycosphaerellaceae), Mexican devil weed leaf fungus

Release details: Landcare Research (2014c) - probably accidentally introduced with Mexican devil weed gall fly (Procecidochares utilis) in 1958.

Establishment: Landcare Research (2014c) - common.

Impacts on target: Cameron et al. (1989) - unknown. Hayes et al. (2013) - Mexican devil weed is not a serious problem today; this can be attributed, at least in part, to biocontrol agents [the gall fly Procecidochares utilis was deliberately released, the fungi P. ageratinae and Cercospora eupatorii were probably accidentally introduced with it]. Landcare Research (2014c) - almost certainly having an impact.

References

Cameron PJ, Hill RL, Bain J, Thomas WP (1989). A Review of Biological Control of Invertebrate Pests and Weeds in New Zealand 1874-1987. Technical Communication No 10. CAB International Institute of Biological Control. DSIR Entomology Division. 424p.

Hayes L, Fowler SV, Paynter Q, Groenteman R, Peterson P, Dodd S, Bellgard S (2013). Biocontrol of weeds: achievements to date and future outlook. In: Dymond JR (ed) Ecosystem services in New Zealand: conditions and trends. Manaaki Whenua Press, Lincoln, pp 375-385 https://www.landcareresearch.co.nz/__data/assets/pdf_file/0005/77054/2_8_Hayes.pdf

Landcare Research (2014c). Who's who in biocontrol of weeds? What's new in biological control of weeds? 69: 10-11 https://www.landcareresearch.co.nz/assets/Publications/Weed-biocontrol/WhatsNew69.pdf