THOSE pesky pantry pests, weevils, are being called in to help combat against an aquatic weed invasion.
Local researchers at the Tatura SmartFarm have identified three species of weevil, a small beetle attracted to moisture, as an important natural enemy of the sagittaria weed.
Sagittaria was originally imported from the USA as attractive ornamental pond plant but has since been declared a problematic species since proving invasive to our waterways. Sagittaria chokes native plants, hinders the movement of fish and impedes waterflows to farms and orchards.
Last week, Parliamentary Secretary for Regional Victoria Danielle Green visited Senior Research Scientist Dr Raelene Kwong and her team at the Tatura SmartFarm, who are actively researching a solution to the problem which has seen more than $2M spent in Victoria by waterway managers in the Goulburn Murray Irrigation District to try and control this highly invasive weed.
The Tatura SmartFarm is the ideal location to produce and release weevils because it is close to some of the worst sagittaria infestations in the state.
Scientists from the SmartFarm will now collaborate with farmers, community groups and waterway authorities to release the weevils and closely monitor their impacts. When the adult weevils are released, they will attack the sagittaria by laying their eggs in the flowers and fruits of the plant. Both the larvae and adult weevils then feed on the weed.
“Our Agriculture Victoria scientists are again leading the way to develop long-term sustainable solutions to help our waterways without using harsh herbicides and have the potential to significantly reduce control costs,” said Ms Green.
“Reducing the amount of sagittaria in our waterways helps the environment and delivers benefits for our famers and growers.”
