Tiny insect has gall to take on broom

A gall on a broom bud caused by broom gall mites.

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A new weapon is to be used in the battle against Southland's broom problem.

Environment Southland has received about 50 microscopic broom gall mites.

The mites feed on the broom and create "galls", deformed lumps, on broom buds. These cause stunting, reduced flowering and sometimes the death of whole broom plants.

They are to be released in the Nokomai area.

Environment Southland biosecurity officer Keith Crothers said the mites posed no threat to other plants or any other part of the environment.

They were released in Canterbury in 2006 and had successfully established many colonies among the broom there, he said. "This is another tool in our arsenal for targeting broom.

"There are other insects that attack broom but if we can get several attacking at the same time we have a better chance of reducing the plant's vigour."

A second release is also planned for later this month in Te Anau, Mr Crothers said.

matthew.theunissen@stl.co.nz

- © Fairfax NZ News

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