Our biosecurity team undertakes biological control using living organisms to manage pests. Manaaki Whenua leads in this eco-friendly method, releasing agents like fungi and beetles to control invasive weeds.

Biological control has a long history dating back to 200 A.D. when the Chinese used ants and their nests to control insect pests on citrus trees.

Biological control is the use of one living organism to control another, with the organism that undertakes the control called the ‘biological control agent’ or ‘biocontrol agent’. In weed control this is often an insect or a fungus.

Manaaki Whenua follows an extensive process to identify and introduce agents that are effective and safe. All potential agents are highly regulated by the Ministry for Primary Industries and the Environmental Protection Agency.

Controlling weeds