Parkinsonia Biological Control

Summary

​Parkinsonia aculeata (parkinsonia) is a neotropical shrub/tree species that was introduced in the Australia as an ornamental species and for its potential value as a hedging and fodder plant. It has since spread to occupy over 8000km2 of the rangelands of northern Australia, and forms dense thickets in floodplains and grasslands, and along water courses and bore drains. It has negative impacts on the pastoral industry and rangeland production systems through limiting pasture growth, restricting stock access to water and impeding mustering. Mechanical and chemical control methods for parkinsonia already exist and are already being effectively used by land managers wherever possible. But these management tactics require repeat application and are not always possible in all parkinsonia infestations (e.g. in difficult terrain or in sensitive riparian environments). Therefore, n this project, two biological control agents approved for release in Australia were mass-reared and distributed widely across northern Australia (incl. QLD, WA and the NT) to assist with the integrated management of parkinsonia. In all in excess of 200,000 of these two moths that are specialised to feed on parkinsonia, and not on other plants, have been released. Over time populations of these insects are anticipated to help keep parkinsonia under control, thereby reducing ongoing control costs and improving rangeland productivity and profitability.