The Centre for Biological Control has gone into a working agreement with the University Of Cape Town (UCT). A considerable pool of expertise has accumulated at UCT where a research group has worked for many years in developing and evaluating biological control programmes against invasive tree species, in particular Australian acacias.  Several of these projects include the development of new agents to supplement already established agents.  The intent is to establish a suite of agents that in combination will provide adequate control of all the declared Acacia species so that those with effective agents are not replaced by congeners without agents.  A fundamental component of using this approach is a clear understanding of what is being achieved with each agent.

A major constraint on biological control of invasive trees is that almost all are used commercially and there are conflicts of interests that arise as a result.  Thus, most of these projects rely on agents that reduce seed production of the weeds without affecting survival or growth of existing stands.  The principle aim is to curb the spread of the plants and further accumulation of seed banks and this requires long term evaluation studies.

Acacia cyclops with detail of flower and seeds

Projects

The proposed scope of work is summarised in the following table including: i) Development of biological control agents; ii) Evaluation of the impact of the agents; iii) Biological control implementation programmes (where needed or where agents are ready for implementation).

Personnel at UCT

Emeritus Associate Professor John H Hoffmann

Ms Fiona Impson

Ms Catharina Kleinjan

Last Modified: Fri, 17 Aug 2018 10:03:32 SAST