Page 15 - Landscape-Issue144

FEATURE

Rand Water rearing station

Release of biocontrol agents onto water lettuce

water hyacinth agents were released in Biological control is considered the
the 1970s, and then again in 2013. There most sustainable method of control,
are a few other water hyacinth agents but requires continuous monitoring and
namely a moth Niphograpta albiguttalis, a technical support. Due to the very nature
mirid Eccritotarsus catarinensis, and a mite of these invasive alien plants, the Vaal
Orthogalumna terebrantis which are not Barrage system will need to carefully be
actively reared and released, but may find managed for many years to ensure that
their way into the system naturally as they the population is reduced and controlled.
move to new or different water hyacinth
populations across the country. The moth For further information contact Dr Leslie Hoy
has been found in the Vaal Barrage system (Lhoy@randwater.co.za) or
Megamelus scutellaris on water hyacinth and is increasing in abundance. Prof J Coetzee (Julie.coetzee@ru.ac.za ) n

Check us out www.salandscape.co.za Landscape SA • Issue 144 2024 13