The latest biological agent to control the spread of an aggressive pest plant has been unleashed in the Bay of Plenty.
Broom gall mite was released in the Eastern Bay of Plenty region of Galatea to help control broom, a pest plant that is well established in the region.
Environment Bay of Plenty pest plant officer Des Pooley says the biological agent has a significant impact on the spread of broom.
'The damage is done to broom by the mites forming galls on successive years' growth that stunt, reduce flowering and even kill whole bushes,” says Des.


An EBOP worker with the broom plants.

He also says the release of these mites should help to reduce sprays and pesticides that are used to control broom.
The Environmental Risk Management Authority has approved the release of the broom gall mite as a biological control agent in New Zealand.
Following the release of the broom gall mite the site will be monitored.
When sufficient numbers have been established, the mite will be redistributed to other parts of the Bay of Plenty.
Environment Bay of Plenty assists Landcare Research with funding for biological control programs.
This mite joins the broom psyllid and the broom shoot moth as the third biological control agent targeting broom to be released this year.