Community involvement in the distribution of the biological control agents for bridal creeper, Asparagus asparagoides.

Asparagus asparagoides (bridal creeper) is a widespread weed of bushland and remnant vegetation across southern Australia. It is recognized as a major threat to biodiversity in those habitats and is one of Australia’s Weeds of National Significance. The bridal creeper leafhopper Zygina sp. and rust fungus Puccinia myrsiphylli were released in Australia in 1999 and 2000, respectively. Damage caused by both agents is obvious; the leafhopper’s silver zigzag spotting and the rust’s orange pustules on foliage are readily recognizable. These features of the agents’ biology made them ideal candidates for rearing and distribution by non-specialists. The leafhopper can be reared by school and community groups as it requires little more than a cage and healthy bridal creeper plants. The rust fungus is easy to distribute from infected foliage, following a basic protocol. The mechanisms and infrastructure required to involve community members in distribution of each agent are outlined.