Prospects for the biological control of gorse

Abstract

Of the 94 species of arthropods known to attack gorse (Ulex europaeus) in Europe, only 16 appear sufficiently host-specific to show promise for introduction into New Zealand as biological control agents. Five of these attack the reproductive structures and 11 feed on green shoots. The 4 species with the greatest potential to damage gorse are being studied more closely. These are the mite...