Management Information
Preventative measures: A Risk assessment of Asparagus densiflorus for the Pacific region was prepared by Pacific Island Ecosystems at Risk (PIER) using the Australian risk assessment system (Pheloung, 1995). The result is a score of 15 and a recommendation of: reject the plant for import (Australia) or species likely to be of high risk (Pacific).
A Risk assessment of Asparagus densiflorus for Australia was prepared by Pacific Island Ecosystems at Risk (PIER) using the Australian risk assessment system (Pheloung, 1995). The result is a score of 3 and a recommendation of: the plant requires further evaluation. Chemical: The Regional Weeds Advisory Committee (2004) states that, "Asparagus species have often been controlled using the "crowning" technique where the above ground part of the plant is cut from the root system and hung up off the ground. Tubers can be painted with glyphosate. Runners near the ground can be gathered up and their main root systems removed. Regrowth needs to be controlled whilst it is actively growing (preferably between flowering and fruiting) with such techniques as foliar spraying with glyphosate (1 part glyphosate to 75 parts water) or metsulfuron methyl (1-2g in 10L of water)." Biological: The Regional Weeds Advisory Committee (2004) states that in Australia, "A. densiflorus is attacked by a chalcid wasp (Family: Chalcidae) and a moth larva. A rust fungus severely damages the fruit. Leaves are severely damaged by a thrip and the larvae of a geometrid wasp. Stems are galled by two chalcid species." Each of these species may have a biological control application, but further research is needed. Crioceris spp. is a potential biological control agent for Asparagus spp. and has the possibility of being effective on A. densiflorus also (Witt and Edwards, 2001). Cultural: The Regional Weeds Advisory Committee believes there is a lack of awareness in the public about many coastal weeds, including A. densiflorus. Many invasive coastal species are still ignorantly being planted widely in backyards and as ornamentals. The authors believe that, "Education programs will focus on increasing awareness of the threat caused by the species, knowledge of identification and control techniques and local success stories. Education programs will need to focus on both the regional level and local level where examples of local problems can be seen / promoted."
Location Specific Management InformationAustralia
Physical and chemical control tend to be very difficult. Biological control agents are being investigated (Csurhes and Edwards, 1998).
Asparagus species are generally best controlled using the “crowning” technique where the above ground part of the plant is cut from the root system and hung up off the ground. Tubers can be painted with glyphosate. Runners near the ground can be gathered up and their main root systems removed. Regrowth needs to be controlled whilst it is actively growing (preferably between flowering and fruiting) with such techniques as foliar spraying with glyphosate (1 part glyphosate to 75 parts water) or metsulfuron methyl (1-2g in 10L of water) (Regional Weeds Advisory Committee, 2004). Lord Howe Is. (Australia)
Asparagus densiflorus has been declared a noxious weed on Lord Howe Island (Csurhes and Edwards, 1998). Waikato Region (New Zealand)
Asparagus densiflorus is classified as a “Potential Plant Pest” by Environment Waikato, which means it is recognised as a potentially invasive weed in the Waikato Region.
Please see definitions for hierarchy of pest designations.
Management Resources/Links
2. Bay of Plenty Regional Council. UNDATED. Asparagus densiflorus. Weed Control information for the Bay of Plenty. 5. Gilman, E. F. 1999. Asparagus densiflorus 'Myers1. University of Florida Cooperative Extension Service Fact Sheet FPS-52. 6. He, C., T. Hsiang, and D. J. Wolyn. 2001. Activation of defense responses to Fusarium infection in Asparagus densiflorus. European Journal of Plant Pathology. 2001; 107(5): 473-483. 9. Witt, A. B. R., and P. B. Edwards. 2001. Aspects of the Biology, Distribution, and Host Range of Crioceris sp. (Col.: Chrysomelidae: Criocerinae), a Potential Biological Control Agent for Asparagus asparagoides in Australia. Biological Control 23, 56-63 (2002). Results Page: 1
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