How do we achieve effective biological control of invasive European Blackberry?
Dr Robin Adair, Australis Biological & Dr Rae Kwong, Biocontrol Scientist, DEECA
In Australia, invasive European blackberry consists of a complex of around 18 recognised species and a range of hybrids, which collectively are amalgamated into Rubus fruticosus sp. agg. The first introductions to Australia were made for pragmatic and sentimental reasons by our early colonisers, but the species quickly naturalised and spread more aggressively than perhaps they ever envisioned.
Now European blackberry is one of Australia’s
worst environmental and agricultural weeds where substantial losses of biodiversity and production occur. The vast extent of infestations across southern Australia and lack of access to many areas restricts conventional control methods, which has precipitated the acceptance and development of classical biological control. This control method utilises natural enemies collected from the region of origin of blackberry (Europe) for suppression of the host plant in areas where it is problematic (Australia).
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How do we achieve effective biological control of invasive European Blackberry?