Surveillance of previously released biological control agents is continuing to monitor establishment and spread including maintaining a catalogue of associated insects and agents occurring on target weed species. connexa on Siam weed populations, pre and post release monitoring of Siam weed populations is being done at sites across the Siam weed distribution in north Queensland. connexa flies are being sent to the Northern Territory to assist with establishing a field and rearing colony. Releases commenced within northern Queensland in November 2019 are targeting Siam weed populations throughout northern Queensland, with assistance from Local Government, landholders, NRM groups, Qld Government Departments and the Department of Defence. connexa release was granted in late 2018 and mass-rearing commenced in August 2019 at Tropical Weeds Research Centre in Charters Towers. Siam weed is a high priority, high risk invasive weed in Queensland. The stem-galling fly ( Cecidochares connexa) is the first biological control agent to be released within Australia for Siam weed. This project aims to mass-rear, release and monitor biocontrol agents in northern Queensland including Cecidochares connexaВ (stem-galling fly) on Siam weed ( Chromolaena odorata). Weed biocontrol agent rear and release Research officers: Kelli Pukallus and Ainsley Kronk Efficacy of biocontrol on harrisia cactus in southern Queensland.Biocontrol of pasture weeds in Vanuatu and Queensland.

Biocontrol agents agriculture