Forestry researchers will start experimental releases of an introduced insect soon, which they hope will curb rampant growth of an ornamental plant that's threatening pine plantations.
Like many plant pests, Buddlea was brought here as a garden specimen, grown for its striking purple flowers.
But it escaped from the garden to become one of the worst weeds in central North Island plantations, where it's been competing with, and swamping young pine trees.
Scientists with the Australasian forestry research joint venture, Ensis, have identified another Chinese native, a leaf-eating weevil as a likely biological control agent.
Ensis' Forest Biosecurity and Protection Manager, Brian
Richardson says it's ready to go to work - after 10 years in quarantine.
Dr Richardson says the weevil will be released on a small experimental scale in the summer and autumn, with more substantial distribution to follow in spring.
If successful, it could save the forest industry millions of dollars in control costs and pine losses.Radio New Zealand
