Biocontrol of African Boxthorn Pilot

(Delivery Partner, 2022)

The CSIRO has developed the rust species Puccinia rapipes as a biocontrol agent to control African boxthorn. This would be used in conjunction with current control measures that include physical removal or chemical application. 

In partnership with the CSIRO and Yanco Creek Advisory Council Inc (YACTAC) a pilot project was conducted to release the rust in the Pretty Pine area. The ideal time to release the rust is around October. Unfortunately due to flooding on the majority of landholders’ properties the demonstration day and release could not be held until December 2022. This has possibly resulted in a poor uptake of the rust on the African Boxthorn plants.