Teacher PLD
Biocontrol in action – unit plan
Students carry out a practical investigation to help AgResearch scientists monitor the spread of Microctonus aethiopoides (a tiny wasp) and its success as a biocontrol agent for clover root weevil.
Clover root weevil
The clover root weevil (Sitona obsoletus) is a farm pest, munching paddock clover and destroying pasture.
Rights: Janet Graham, Creative Commons 2.0
Purpose
To investigate the efficacy of a real biocontrol agent in New Zealand and to understand the significance of biocontrol in the wider context of dairy farming
Keywords
Biocontrol, clover root weevil, wasp, dairy farming.
Useful link
The Biological control agents section on the Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) website explains what biological control agents are, how they work, and the EPA's role in ensuring they are safe for Aotearoa New Zealand.
Published: 26 November 2007
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