Beetles approved for control of tradescantia

The Environmental Risk Management Authority has approved the release of a further two beetle species to control the weed tradescantia.

Auckland Council applied for the release of the beetles, Lema basicostata and Neolema abbreviata, to attack tradescantia which is a serious environmental and garden weed.

In making its decision, the Chair of the decision-making committee, Dr Max Suckling, said the two new beetles would supplement the release of Neolema ogloblini, which was approved by the Authority in 2008.