Interim profile, incomplete information
Management Information
Biological: By the end of 2007, the biological control agent Cibdela janthina (Tenthredinidae, Argidae) native to Sumatra, has been introduced and released in La Réunion Island. By the en of 2008, the agent is considered acclimated and well established. It is spreading naturally up to 900m of elevation. Impact on Rubus thickets is promising but still under evaluation, as well as natural regeneration of the flora according to Rubus regression (Dr. Thomas Le Bourgeois pers.comm., 17 February 2009). 
Location Specific Management InformationMayotte
The fight against Rubus alceifolius has been going on for more than 15 years in Reunion. Many control methods have been implemented and they vary in terms of their impact on the plant and on the environment. Among the most effective methods: manual uprooting and burning of uprooted plants to avoid any risk of vegetative reproduction; cut with machete, incinerate waste and apply herbicide (Garlon®; Krenite®, Round up®) on the remaining stumps (Hivert, 2003). A biocontrol research programme was also developed focusing on the genetic diversity of R. alceifolius, the biology of its development, and the study of potential biocontrol agents. The most interesting insect selected as a biocontrol agent is Cibdela janthina (Order: Hymenoptera, Family: Tenthredinidae). After host-specificity tests in the laboratory, it was proposed to introduce Cibdela janthina in Reunion in 2006 and to proceed to study its acclimatization and its effectiveness in the natural environment (Le Bourgeois, 2006).
Management Resources/Links
1. Hivert, J. 2003. Plantes exotiques envahissantes - Etat des méthodes de lutte mise en oeuvre par l'Office National des Forêts à La Réunion. ONF Réunion.
Summary: Synthèse des méthodes de lutte employées par l'ONF à la Réunion contre une vingtaine de plantes exotiques envahissantes. Results Page: 1
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