ON FARM NATIONAL INVASIVE SPECIES Taking Getting a gripon biological control It’s estimated more than $250 million/year could be delivered in productivity gains and cost savings following the introduction of biological control agents for six of Australia’s invasive weeds. ‘Natural enemies’ such as insects, mites and diseases to control parkinsonia, parthenium, blackberry, silverleaf nightshade, cylindropuntia and gorse, which affect more than 25 million hectares across Australia, have been introduced through a Rural R&D for Profit program project – ‘Fast-tracking and maximising the long-lasting benefits of weed biological control for farm productivity’. The three-year project was managed by MLA working with national and state-based research organisations, universities, Landcare groups and local management authorities. In addition to individual projects focusing on the six weeds, the project also delivered a new partnership model to ensure the ongoing funding and prioritisation of weed biocontrol and the development of the online Biocontrol Hub, along with a supporting smartphone app. Here we look at two of the biocontrol projects and their outcomes for gorse and parthenium control. Find the Biocontrol Hub at: biocollect. Researchers releasing gorse soft shoot moths on the Elstons’ property. ala.org.au/biocontrolhub This project is supported by funding from the Australian Government Department of Agriculture and Water Resources as part of its Rural R&D for Profit program. 32