Biological Control
Biocontrol is the use of beneficial organisms (e.g. insects, mites, fungi) to help control and manage weeds and pests. These are carefully researched by the government to ensure we don’t have another cane toad disaster.
Gympie & District Landcare Group started rearing biocontrol agents in 2008 when a leaftying moth was released for
Cats Claw Creeper control. The Cats Claw Creeper work is currently focused on two other species: a Tingid bug and a jewel beetle. A beetle to assist with Madeira vine control is also reared at Gympie and District Landcare. Both these vines have been classified as Weeds of National Significance (WoNS).
The insect rearing facility is closed to the public but arrangements can be made for escorted visits. Staff and volunteers at Gympie Landcare Nursery can advise you on whether the insects are appropriate to your situation, how to release and distribute the insects, and what to look for to see if the release has been successful. Insects rarely eradicate a weed infestation but reduce the vigour of the plants.
Insect availability fluctuates with the breeding conditions of the different insects and so cannot be guaranteed on specific supply dates.
Orders for insects are taken by Landcare. Click here to order
For a weevil that controls the water weed, Salvinia, contact Gympie Regional Council Lands Protection Officers (Ph 1300 307 800).
Invasive Plants
Weeds reduce the productivity of farms, pose health risks to livestock and humans and reduce biodiversity.
Serious problems in the Gympie Region are Weedy Sporobolus Grasses (WSG including Giant Rats Tail (GRT)), Groundsel, Cats Claw Creeper, Madeira vine, Lantana, Chinese Celtis, Annual Ragweed, and Parthenium.
Emerging weeds with potential to have major impacts include Yellow Bells, Easter Cassia, Camphor Laurel, Broad-leaved Pepperina, African Love Grass, Chinese Golden Shower Tree, Mickey Mouse Plant (Ochna), ungrazed pasture leguminous vines, Thatch and Hamil Grasses, Small- and Large-leaved Privets, Mexican Petunia and Spanish Moss.
Click here to find more information on invasive plants
