Biological control of bridal creeper in southern Victoria: research to community action

An important biological control for bridal creeper, Asparagus asparagoides (L.) Druce, in Australia is the rust fungus Puccinia myrsiphylli (Thuem.) Wint. The rust fungus is now widely dispersed on bridal creeper infestations in southern Victoria. Establishment and dispersal of rust was aided by community adoption of a novel release technique. The success of the program is largely due to partnerships between researchers, land managers and community networks, such as the Bass Coast and South Gippsland Landcare Networks. These partnerships, and the provision of timely information and resources, help to: (i) facilitate the release, establishment and assessment of biological control agents; (ii) ensure biological control is integrated with local and regional weed management strategies; and (iii) promote biological control in the community.