Biological Control of Mesquite

Summary

Mesquites, 'Prosopis spp.' are prickly trees that seriously affect rangelands in northern Australia and are declared noxious throughout mainland Australia. Two seed-feeding beetles 'Algarobius bottimeri' and 'Algarobius prosopis' were imported into quarantine in Australia for host specificity testing as biological control agents against mesquite. They were found to be specific to mesquite and were approved for release by Australian authorities. The two beetles have been released in major mesquite infestations in Qld and WA. If the beetles effectively destroy a very high proportion of mesquite seed, industry will benefit through reduced spread and reinfestation by mesquite.