CABI is supporting the Government of British Columbia in Canada in their fight against a range of invasive plant species thanks to a funding boost of nearly CAD $3 million aimed at protecting the Province’s rich ecosystem and biodiversity.
The money is going toward groups, such as regional invasive species committees, local governments, environmental groups, researchers, and the Invasive Species Council of British Columbia, to continue collaboration and support of invasive plant programs and management actions.
Scientists from CABI’s Swiss Centre in Delémont have a long history of investigating potential biocontrol agents for around 20 invasive plants mainly for the US and Canada, but also for Australia and South Africa, and will help support British Columbia as part of their Invasive Weed Biological Control Program.
Targeted invasive plant species
Targeted invasive plant species in British Columbia include Japanese, Bohemian, and giant knotweed; marsh plume thistle; common tansy; wild chervil; garlic mustard; poison hemlock; spotted knapweed; common bugloss; and orange and yellow (non-native) hawkweeds.
Other species of concern for action also include giant hogweed; blueweed; tansy ragwort; spartina species; hoary alyssum; purple loosestrife; field scabious; leafy spurge; yellow flag iris; and Scotch broom.
Invasive plants can disrupt ecosystems, reduce biodiversity, increase soil erosion, alter soil chemistry, and adversely affect agriculture production and water quality, causing substantial economic and environmental damage. They may also pose a health risk to people and animals.
Ravi Parmar, Minister of Forests at the Government of British Columbia, said, “B.C. has some of the most amazing ecosystems in the world, with many that are unique, fragile and in danger from invasive plants.
“No one person, group, agency, or government can effectively control invasive plant species alone, and collaboration is critical to everyone’s success. The work these groups do is crucial in our fight together to ensure B.C.’s unique environments remain healthy and vibrant.”
Biological control of invasive weeds
CABI brings over 60 years’ experience of working on the biological control of invasive weeds and is one of the few organisations in the world that can simultaneously research and develop insect, mite, and fungal control agents.
More than 50 biological control agents have been released based on the work carried out at CABI in Switzerland alone. Many of these are currently contributing to the successful control of important Canadian weeds such as leafy spurge, toadflaxes, knapweeds, houndstongue and purple loosestrife.
Dr Philip Weyl, CABI’s Head of Weed Biocontrol, said, “Invasive plant (weed) biological control is a long-term sustainable tool for managing invasive plants that is safe and effective, but it does take time in terms research to ensure safety.
“The partnership between the B.C. Ministry of Forests and CABI provides support that forms an integral part in developing biological control options for invasive plant species of concern for B.C. and Canada as a whole.
Critical to stop the spread of invasive plants
Gail Wallin, Executive Director, Invasive Species Council of British Columbia, said in Canada and British Columbia, invasive plants are spreading and taking over critical lands, especially sensitive ecosystems such as grasslands and riparian areas.
“They are estimated to cost us over $2 billion in losses annually. As many invasive species are intentionally introduced through activities, such as gardening or moved by tires, it is critical to stop the spread of invasive plants through increased awareness and adopting responsible practices, including PlantWise and Play Clean Go,” she said.
The Invasive Plant Program works in identifying and reporting where invasive plant species have been found, encouraging landowners and managers to control invasive plants and managing high-risk infestations to limit further spread throughout the province.
People can report invasive plant species sightings from anywhere in B.C. by using the Report Invasives BC smartphone app or through the online reporting tool:
https://www.gov.bc.ca/invasive-specieshttp://www.gov.bc.ca/invasive-species
CABI’s work in the field of biological control of invasive weed species in Canada and the USA has included, in 2024, work on the weevil, Bagous nodulosus, against flowering rush which was released in Canada and the permit for release in the USA was granted. Plans for mass-rearing are underway and additional releases in Canada and the USA are planned in 2025.
Also, Both the gall-forming mite, Aceria angustifoliae, against Russian olive and the rhizome-mining moth, Dichrorampha aeratana, against oxeye daisy were released in Canada with early signs of establishment.
Additional information
Main image: Garlic mustard (Alliaria petiolata) is just one of the invasive plant species that are being targeted as part of the Government of British Columbia’s Invasive Plant Program (Credit: Pixabay).
Relevant stories
See also the story ‘New funding supports fight against invasive plants’ published by the Government of British Columbia.
‘First mite to lead biological fight against Russian olive approved for use in Canada.’
Biological control of invasive plants
Find out more about CABI’s work on the biological control of invasive plants which can pose serious threats to native species, ecosystems, human health and many sectors of the economy such as agriculture, forestry and tourism here.
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CABI’s work on weed biological control is highlighted in the annual progress report
23 August 2024
