Biological control of weeds
Biological control involves the release of a weed plant’s natural enemies. These enemies, known as biocontrol agents, can limit a plant’s growth, reproduction and spread by affecting:
- various parts of a plant:
- roots
- crown
- leaves
- stem
- flowers
- seeds
- different stages of a plant’s lifecycle:
- early growth,
- flowering
- seeding.
Successful biological control will reduce the vigor and abundance of the targeted weed. It’s unlikely that complete weed eradication would occur.
Benefits of weed biocontrol
Biological control is considered to be a highly cost effective weed management method. In Australia, every $1 invested in weed biocontrol has seen a return of $23 to the economy1.
Related information
Weed biological control methods and agents
- Guide to weed biological control in South Australia Section 1 ()
- Guide to weed biological control in South Australia Section 2 ()
- Established biocontrol agents in SA ()
Biocontrol of weed species in SA
National biological control recording and distribution
1 Page, A.R., Lacey, K.L., (2006). ‘Economic impact assessment of Australian weed biological control’. (CRC for Australian Weed Management, Adelaide).
Page last reviewed: 10 Mar 2023