Controlling Weeds Using Biological
Methods |
RELEASING AGENTS IN THE FIELD |
| Biological control agents are released primarily by
Ministry of Forests staff. They are often assisted,
however, by staff of the Ministry of Agriculture,
Fisheries and Food, the Ministry of Transportation
and Highways, and the general public.
The initial sites for field release are chosen carefully to ensure that the agents will survive under field conditions. These release sites must contain a sufficient number of the target noxious weeds to support the biological control agents.
Once the agents have increased their numbers on field sites, they are collected and redistributed to other locations. This increases their geographic distribution, improving their control of weeds. Biological control agents can be hand picked, vacuum aspirated or gathered with nets. Minimal handling and prompt release of agents improves the success of their introduction. |
MONITORING AGENTS IN THE FIELD |
| Release sites are monitored for one to two years
to determine if the agents are established. Once
they are established, selected sites are
monitored to determine the population size,
spread and efficacy at controlling the noxious
weeds.
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