Quick Dips

Trimming Old Man's Beard

A shortage of money is hindering efforts to stop New Zealand's forests being choked by Old Man's Beard.

Landcare Research scientist Dr Richard Hill maintains that it is probably the most important weed in native habitats in New Zealand. He is seeking funds from groups such as local councils to cover a $100,000 gap in funding for research into control methods.

Hill believes that biological control is the way to go. Four insects which bore into the stems have been identified at the Institute of Biological Control in Switzerland. These are being tested to make sure they don't attack New Zealand plants as well. Full safety testing will take several years.

Two fungi which attack the weed have been found by Adrian Spiers of HortResearch. These, too, are being tested to ensure the safety of native plants.