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Prospects For Biological Control Of Merremia Peltata In Pacific Nations

Biological Control

All 22 Pacific island countries and territories face major invasive weed problems. Exotic plants can become invasive when they are introduced into a new environment where natural enemies, that would regulate their populations in native ranges, are absent. Classic biological control (biocontrol) reunites invasive plants with their natural enemies and is often the only cost-effective means of controlling invasive plants over large and remote areas. Native plants can also become invasive as a result of natural disturbances, such as cyclones.

The Invasive Species

The vine Merremia peltata is widespread in Micronesia and Polynesia. Information regarding M. peltata's status throughout its range is often contradictory as on some islands the vine is considered to be native. For example, it has been considered both native and an introduced invasive on Kosrae Island, Federated States of Micronesia. On islands where it is particularly aggressive, M. Peltata is capable of smothering trees or groups of trees. As well as affecting the productivity of the tree it climbs on, the vine affects the behaviour of forest birds by preventing access through the canopy where they would normally build nests and forage for food. Its abundance in disturbed areas also causes a problem for forestry and plantations.

Project Description

Manaaki Whenua (Landcare Research) is currently undertaking a research review which aims to provide information to help decision-makers decide if a biological control programme against M. peltata is feasible, if it should proceed, and what such an effort would involve. The research review will also serve as a template for assessing the prospects for the biocontrol of other Pacific weeds. The objectives of the study are to:

• Identify potential barriers to the use of a biological control programme against M. peltata; including members of the same family (Convolvulaceae) that may be at risk of non-target attacks.
• Summarise the literature and current information available from researchers worldwide on the potential for biological control of M. peltata.
• Assess the likelihood of success of a biological control programme of M. peltata in the Pacific region

Landcare Research is the leading provider of weed biological control in New Zealand and its offshore islands. They have an international reputation for excellence in this field.

Please click on this link 'Prospects for biological control of Merremia peltata' to view a copy of the Landcare Research report.

Project Partners

• Secretariat of the Pacific Regional Environmental Programme
• Secretariat for the Pacific Community
• Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment - Samoa
• Ministry of Agriculture, Sugar and Land Resettlement - Fiji

PII Contact

Bill Nagle - (w.nagle@auckland.ac.nz)

Please click on coloured text for links to relevant information.

Last Updated 21 May 2008