Environment authorities have called in the help of a small, unassuming beetle to help fight the spread of a pest plant smothering native vegetation.
Chilean flame creeper – a fast-spreading, invasive weed marked by distinctive red flowers – has become a threat in "many regions", according to the Environmental Protection Authority,
The weed, which smothers and kills native plants, has reached threat status in Southland, Otago, and Canterbury. It could also be found on Stewart Island/Rakiura and the Chatham Islands, and is becoming a problem in Manawatū-Whanganui.
Removing the weed by hand or with herbicides was ineffective, time-consuming, and could harm nearby plants.
To curb the spread, the authority has approved an application by the National Biocontrol Collective to release a leaf-feeding beetle, Blapta elguetai, as a control agent.
EPA acting manager of new organisms and international applications, Peter Day, said the beetle offered a "low maintenance" solution that could work in hard-to-reach areas.
"The decision to approve introduction of this organism was made by an independent decision-making committee, which follows a rigorous, evidence-based assessment.
"The risk assessment provided by the applicant showed that the Chilean flame creeper leaf beetle is highly unlikely to harm native plants or animals. It also does not bite or sting, so there is no health risk to people."
He said the decision followed public consultation, engagement with mana whenua, and consideration of international best practice.
"New Zealand has a strong track record of using biological control agents to manage invasive weeds with minimal impact on native ecosystems."
In the past, EPA has deployed biocontol agents for other weeds such asDarwin’s barberry, purple loosestrife, old man’s beard, Sydney golden wattle, and moth plant.
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