THE first release in South Africa of the bio-control agent, the Tradescantia Tip Beetle (Neolema abbreviata), took place at the Iphithi Nature Reserve in Gillitts recently.
This bio-control beetle is targeted at the Tradescantia fluminensis, commonly known as Wandering Jew, Wandering Willy or spiderwort which is a low-growing, herbaceous plant which is native to southern Brazil, but which has become invasive in several parts of the world, including Europe, Australia and New Zealand.
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Kloof Conservancy chairman, Paolo Candotti, said the plant forms thick mats on the ground, particularly in wooded areas, preventing other indigenous herbaceous species from growing and impeding the recruitment of forest trees.
“It has a wide distribution which includes most of the nine provinces in South Africa, but it is limited by its requirement for water. It is thus mainly invasive in areas with high rainfall and riverine habitats in drier areas and is a very big problem in the Upper Highway,” said Candotti.
The release was conducted by Dr Costas Costas Zachariades from the Agricultural Research Council based at Cedara and who has been conducting the final tests. The initial research for the introduction and release of this bio-control agent was carried out by Dr Frank Chidawanyika (now at the University of the Free State).
The research was funded by the Department of Environmental Affairs. Bio-control is a valuable tool to fight invasive species as it does not require the use of herbicides which always have unwanted side-effects.
Bio-control agents are only released after extensive tests are done and the necessary permits obtained – this particular beetle has been under research at Cedara since 2013.
The release was arranged in partnership with the Everton, Gillitts and Kloof Conservancies who will provide additional release sites in the coming weeks.
Agricultural Research Council (ARC) CEO Dr Shadrack Moephuli said the ARC realises the importance of the insects in the ecosystem and how they can contribute to the food security and high yields.
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