Fireweed (Senecio madagascariensis) is a daisy native to southern Africa that has become a significant invasive weed of dairy and other grazed pastures across eastern Australia. Fireweed infestations can reduce stocking rates by lowering the palatability of pasture, particularly for cattle, and exposing livestock to poisonous alkaloids. Since it was detected in Australia, fireweed has become invasive in NSW and south-eastern Queensland, with potential for further spread into Victoria and grazing land of northern Queensland.
The CSIRO, in partnership with the University of KwaZulu-Natal (South Africa), is currently undertaking research into the biological control (biocontrol) of fireweed, with a focus on two candidate insect agents: a root-feeding flea beetle (Longitarsus basutoensis) and a stem-boring weevil (Gasteroclisus sp.). Our aim is to ascertain the level of host specificity of each candidate agent.
The Commonwealth Department of Agriculture and Water Resources is acknowledged for financially supporting to the development of a biocontrol solution for fireweed. Our research is supported by the Bega Valley Fireweed Association.