A global view of the future for biological control of gorse, Ulex europaeus L.

Abstract

Gorse (Ulex europaeus L.) has become naturalized in at least 50 countries outside its native range, from the high elevation tropics to the subantarctic islands and Scandinavia. Its habit, adaptability and ability to colonize disturbed ground makes it one of the world's most invasive temperate weeds. It is 80 years since New Zealand first initiated research into biological control for gorse. This paper briefly reviews the progress made worldwide since then, and examines future opportunities for biological control of this weed. The range of available agents is now known, and this list is critically assessed. Ten organisms have been released variously in six countries and islands and their performance is reviewed. In most cases, agent populations have been regulated either from 'top-down' or 'bottomup', and there is no evidence anywhere of consistent outbreaks that could cause significant reduction in existing gorse populations in the medium term. Habitat disturbance and seedling competition are important drivers of gorse population dynamics. Existing agents may yet have long-term impact through sublethal effects on maximum plant age, another key factor in gorse population dynamics. Along with habitat manipulation, seed-feeding insects may yet play a long-term role in reducing seed banks below critical levels for replacement in some populations. In the short term, progress will rely on rational and integrated weed management practices, exploiting biological control where possible.

Towards the top: niche expansion ofTaraxacum officinaleandUlex europaeusin mountain regions of South America

“…; Rees & Hill ; Hill et al . ; ILDIS ). Ulex europaeus has been introduced worldwide as a hedge plant to contain grazing animals, as fodder, and even to assuage the nostalgia of European colonists (CABI ).…”

Evaluación de espinillo como abono verde en la producción de biomasa y proteína de acelga

“…U. europaeus es una de las malezas más invasoras que impide el desarrollo de otras especies (Quiroz et al, 2009). Es considerada una maleza agresiva en Nueva Zelanda, los EE.UU., Chile y Australia Hill et al, 2008). Puede desarrollarse bien en terrenos deficientes de calcio, tiende a acidificar el sustrato y bajar la capacidad de intercambio catiónico de los suelos moderadamente fértiles (MacCarter y Gaynor, 1980).…”

“…Puede desarrollarse bien en terrenos deficientes de calcio, tiende a acidificar el sustrato y bajar la capacidad de intercambio catiónico de los suelos moderadamente fértiles (MacCarter y Gaynor, 1980). Es una especie de amplia distribución, se ha registrado su presencia en más de 50 países e islas (Hill et al, 2008). En Chile está presente desde la Región de Valparaíso hasta la de Los Lagos, invadiendo suelos arenosos y arcillosos, pobres y degradados (Quiroz et al, 2009).…”

Classical biological control for the protection of natural ecosystems

“…In Chile, mechanical removal of gorse caused damage to Berberis negeriana plants (Norambuena, personal communication) in the Yani Hills (37°S), which is one of few areas still supporting this endemic barberry (Gomez et al, 2008). Gorse biological control is currently being attempted with ten agents in six countries or islands (Julien and Griffiths, 1998;Hill et al, 2008). The spider mite Tetranychus lintearius reduced gorse dry matter 36% in Tasmania , and shoot size and flowering 37% and 82%, respectively, in Hawaii (Hill et al, 2008;Markin, unpublished data).…”

“…Gorse biological control is currently being attempted with ten agents in six countries or islands (Julien and Griffiths, 1998;Hill et al, 2008). The spider mite Tetranychus lintearius reduced gorse dry matter 36% in Tasmania , and shoot size and flowering 37% and 82%, respectively, in Hawaii (Hill et al, 2008;Markin, unpublished data). In Chile, late summer mite outbreaks reduced regrowth and flowering , and the seed weevil Exapion ulicis reduced seed production and seedling establishment (Norambuena, 1995;Norambuena and Piper, 2000).…”